While Microsoft is trying to propel interest in Windows Phone 7 by talking about the looming update (check out our video of it) and signing a deal with the world’s largest handset maker in the world, not everyone in the mobile industry is bullish about the smartphone platform. Executives from Verizon and Motorola downplayed Windows Phone 7 at Mobile World Congress.
Motorola has made a huge bet on Android and it appears to be paying off so far, as devices like the Motorola Droid X have helped it become a relevant player again. The company used to work with Microsoft on Windows Mobile devices but it doesn’t look like it will be releasing a Windows Phone 7 device anytime soon.
“I don’t envision us using Microsoft. I would never say never but it’s not something we’re entertaining now,” said Christy Wyatt, corporate vice president of software and services product management for Motorola, according to PC World. “We’re the only vendor who is 100 percent Android.”
If that weren’t enough, the largest carrier in the United States reiterated that Windows Phone 7 isn’t one of the major platforms. Verizon said the race in the United States is and will be between Apple iOS, Google Android and Research In Motion’s BlackBerry.
“I don’t think Verizon needs the Nokia and Microsoft relationship,” Verizon CTO Tony Melone said, according to CNET. “Right now the three OS players we see for our network are Android, Apple, and RIM. ”
This doesn’t mean that Microsoft Windows Phone 7 is headed for death but it’s not a great sign when a major handset maker and a large carrier are publicly talking trash. One has to wonder how the Microsoft Nokia deal will affect the adoption of Windows Phone 7 by other handset makers, as the deal is more than just Nokia licensing the platform – the two companies will have a deep relationship.
As for Verizon, it always talks trash about things it doesn’t have. The “Droid Does” campaign took direct shots at the iPhone but that didn’t mean Verizon wasn’t happy to start selling the Apple smartphone.