Motorola shutters Windows Mobile development in Florida

Times are tough. Especially so for once-giant phone maker Motorola (NYSE: MOT). Facing economic slowdowns and a softening mobile phone market, Motorola previously announced that the company is preparing to lay off some 4,000 employees in 2009. The company is apparently kicking things off with the announcement that 77 employees at Motorola’s Plantation, Florida development facility will be getting their pink slips on March 27.

Motorola has also announced that it will be ceasing new Windows Mobile development at the facility. The news fuels speculation that Motorola will shift it’s focus from the Windows Mobile platform to the open-source (and free!) Android OS. Motorola recently boosted its Android development-squad, so it’s clear that Android smartphones are in store for Motorola’s future, but Motorola has denied that it will be ditching Windows Mobile altogether. Still, Motorola move to cease WinMo development at its Plantation facility is somewhat telling of the company’s direction.

Motorola’s move to the Android platform for its smartphone portfolio could result in significant savings on Windows Mobile licensing fees. But, will be be enough to save the company?

[Via: WMPowerUser]