Microsoft announced today a series of executive promotions and Andy Lees will be the company’s mobile chief as it is about to go to battle with Windows Phone 7.
Lees will officially become the President of the Mobile Communications Business and he was integral in helping to create Windows Phone 7.
“Today’s promotions underscore the strength of Microsoft’s collective leadership team and set us up well to execute against a powerful lineup of products this fall,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, in a prepared statement. “Not only is the team ready to capitalize on major momentum with our existing products like Office, SharePoint and Halo: Reach, but they are simultaneously bringing entirely new experiences to market with Windows Phone 7 and Kinect for Xbox 360.”
I actually really like Windows Phone 7, as it does a lot of cool new things and there’s some elements which are downright innovative. But I’d be lying if I said that Lees is going to have an easy time helping Microsoft claw its way back into the smartphone market.
Totally ditching Windows Mobile was important but it does mean that the company will be starting with no market share and the competition is daunting, to say the least.
Apple will continue to steamroll with its iPhone, iPod touch and iPad products. If an iPhone finally comes to Verizon next year, Apple’s momentum will be tough to stop.
Google’s Android also seems to be on a rocket ship to the moon and a slew of Android-based tablets should only increase its appeal to developers and consumers.
Don’t count out HP and Palm either, as it will push webOS devices hard. I know I would buy the PalmPad right now if I had a chance.
Research In Motion still has the most users in the United States and Nokia is still dominant in the smartphone space around the world, too.
I recently got some hands-on video of Windows Phone 7, so check it out below and let us know what you think in the comments.
[Via Microsoft]