Microsoft planning to launch ‘Surface’ smartphone

Looks like the Windows 8-powered Surface tablet is not Microsoft’s last stunt towards hardware and is now planning to launch its own WP8 smartphone in the coming months.

Details on hardware specs and launch times have not been provided but it was reported to be unique device compared to the WP8 hardware currently announced. It will be carrying the “Surface” brand and will have high-end specs so that it can compete with top flagships such as the iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S3.

Similar to what has happened after the Surface tablet announcement, the Surface smartphone will put tension between Microsoft and its major vendor partners like Nokia and Samsung. As for the reason why the Redmond-based company is doing this, WPCentral has speculated the possible angles: First, Microsoft is taking the Google Nexus-route, allowing them to have their own Windows Phone which they can offer carrier-free and push updates to directly. Second, as a plan B if currently announced WP8 devices failed to get traction. Microsoft’s internal hardware will serve as a lifeboat if ever things don’t go according to plan.

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