After announcing its Microsoft Surface tablet last week, speculation turned to whether Microsoft would extend this strategy to smartphones. In an interview with InformationWeek, Greg Sullivan, senior marketing manager for Windows Phone, confirmed that the company will not build its own smartphones. It will continue to work with its hardware partners. “We have a strong ecosystem of partners that we are very satisfied with,” Sullivan said.
Microsoft last week announced that HTC, Huawei, Nokia, and Samsung would all offer Windows Phone 8 devices. HTC and Huawei then confirmed that they will have devices out this year. All will use “next generation silicon” from Qualcomm.
Microsoft could still end up in the smartphone business if it ends up buying Nokia which has been struggling to turn its fortunes around after gambling its future on Windows Phone.
Read more: Information Week