Microsoft who were in the phone business long before Apple is now trying to play catch up with the Company set to launch an “online bazaar” for mobile software applications similar to the current Apple application service. They are also set to launch a new mobile OS but are struggling to find a work around Apple touch patents say insiders.
The online bazaar would be for phones running Microsoft’s Windows Mobile operating system, the Wall Street Journal reported. Currently Microsoft is fighting a losing battle with long time Windows Mobile Partners like HTC deserting the platform in favour of the new Google Android operating system.
During the past six months sales of Windows Mobile devices have slumped according to various research Companies with both Apple with their iPhone and Research In Motion with their Blackberry taking share away from Windows Mobile.
As a result Microsoft is desperately rewriting the code for a new Windows Mobile offering however one of their big stumbling blocks according to HTC insiders is the patents that Apple have on touch screen technology. “They are going to have to find a way round these patents if they are to deliver a competitive OS to take on the iPhone”. They said.
The Wall Street Journal said that Microsoft will also soon offer its latest version of Windows Mobile, which the report said would have a “more sophisticated interface.”
On Friday, the company started a limited release of its “My Phone” service, which syncs information like contacts and calendar appointments on a cell phone to a password protected website.
