Tue Apr 28, 2009 2:54 pm
Software giant Microsoft is in talks with Verizon Wireless to launch a touch screen smartphone early next year, in a bid to compete with rival Apple's iPhone.
Microsoft's project, code-named "Pink," strives to produce a handset that widens the reach of its Windows Mobile operating system.
The handset will also include Microsoft's new Windows Marketplace for Mobile, a virtual application store similar to Apple's successful App Store.
Microsoft is designing the smartphone's hardware and software with a third-party supplier expected to make the device.
Verizon is also in talks with competitor Apple about bringing a version of the iPhone and a "media pad" device, similar to Amazon's Kindle electronic reader, to its network.
Microsoft rival Google last year launched a smartphone, the T-Mobile G1, which runs on the Internet search giant's new Android mobile operating system.
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