Another MSFT Phone From An Unknown ODM

In May, we talked about how Microsoft was not succeeding in getting the big handset vendors to adopt their quirky smartphone software because the big 6 were concerned about being commoditized like the PC hardware manufacturers (Samsung is the exception to the rule, since they have embraced seemingly all OSes, and will soon release the i600 MSFT smartphone in the US.). We theorized that the MSFT strategy would revolve around getting low-cost Taiwanese and Chinese ODMs (Original Device Manufacturers) to produce the hardware, and cut the Nokias et al. out of the loop. Now, the announcement from little known Chi Mei Communications, out of Taiwan, that they are producing a MSFT based smartphone for the US supports our theory. The question remains: for which carrier is the phone intended. My bet is AT&T, but I'm only betting a dime.

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