Microsoft is all set to formally introduce its Windows Phone 7 platform Monday (check out our ultimate preview) and Verizon and Google are already trying to downplay it. It’s like they say: Haters gonna hate.
In a long-ranging interview with CNET, Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam didn’t sound too impressed with the upcoming Microsoft Windows Phone 7. We already know that a device with Microsoft’s next platform won’t hit Verizon until at least the middle of 2011.
“I can’t really say which phones we’ll offer yet. We like our relationship with Microsoft,” McAdam said. “But clearly in the U.S. there are three major mobile operating systems: RIM, Google, and Apple.”
He also said that Microsoft is not “at the forefront of our mind.” Geez, do you think Verizon is still cheesed off that the Microsoft Kin lineup was such a fantastic failure?
In all actuality, Verizon probably just doesn’t want to be too effusive in its praise of Windows Phone 7 until it has something to offer. If you’re in the United States, you’ll only be able to get a Windows Phone7 smartphone on AT&T and T-Mobile in 2010.
Additionally, Verizon is a major reason why Android has been a success and it wants you to buy a Droid X this holiday season.
Speaking of Android, in a separate interview, Google Android head Andy Rubin also discussed the upcoming Microsoft platform. He said Windows Phone 7 is “interesting” but he questions why it even exists.
I think the screen shots I’ve seen are interesting, but look, the world doesn’t need another platform … I think it’s good to have the benefit of choice, but in the end I don’t think the world needs another platform.
The rationale behind this one is clear, as Android is a direct competitor to Microsoft’s upcoming platform for consumers and device manufacturers.