Microsoft (MSFT) Could Unveil a Smartphone -AmTech

Broadpoint.AmTech is out with a research note today considering recent checks which have suggested that Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) could be planning to unveil a smartphone. The firm notes that these industry sources have indicated that the product will be launched during the second half of this year.

While AmTech does not see a smartphone changing the operational landscape at Microsoft, the firm points out that the rumor does underscore the importance and potential of smartphones in today's technological environment. AmTech also believes "one take-away is a confirmation that a vertically integrated model of hardware and software is proving to be the preferred model."

The firm calls the move by Microsoft "a bit puzzling", and admits that the strategy could be the result of frustration that the Windows Mobile product is not getting the mind-share / market share with Research In Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM), Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) and even Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) Android stealing the thunder."

According to AmTech's checks, the smartphone could be announced by Microsoft at conferences on Feb. 16th or Feb. 24th.

Shares of Microsoft are trading closely with the broader markets today. After initially dipping into the red, the stock is now up 1.3% to $18.88.

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