Will Microsoft Extend Surface Model And Manufacture Windows Phones?

Nerval's Lobster writes "A day after Microsoft unveiled Windows Phone 8, a company executive explained why the company never implemented native code in Windows Phone 7, declined to say whether Windows Phone 7.x would be upgraded beyond version 7.8, and said Microsoft has no plans to acquire an OEM to manufacture smartphones in-house. Of course, in theory that wouldn't stop Microsoft from building its own hardware in-house, similar to what Google did with the Nexus One. In any case, Microsoft's decision to construct its hardware and software in-house for the Surface tablet project has led to some chatter that it could do the same for smartphones."

They should

[bhcompy]

I think a reference model is a good way to go. Works for many hardware vendors that also license their technology out(notably video card vendors, of course), works for showing what Android can do for Google, etc. No frills, no contract, just a piece of hardware that shines at showing what the base software can do without having all that other crap(Beats Audio, Dolby Surround, ginormous screen, etc) tacked on.

May need to at this point

[Anonymous Coward]

Given that they've just stiffed OEMs by announcing that literally EVERY unsold phone in the channel is now abandonware, they may NEED to start making their own. Who on earth would want to lose *more* money on phones that almost certainly won't sell?

Re:Nexus One wasn't in house...

[armv7]

Yup, Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus were both produced by Samsung. If there in a Microsoft Phone, my bets are on Nokia. They seem to have a rather cosy partnership with Microsoft, considering the integrating of NavTeq maps into WP8 and the $1 billion/yr bribe towards Nokia use Windows Phone exclusively.

As a software company...

[nomorecwrd]

Microsoft is an excellent hardware manufacturer

Their keyboards an joysticks are the best (mid-range) hardware I've come across.

Re:companies don't "make" stuff anymore

[Anonymous Coward]

Sad to see how at one time Americans took pride in quality and "Made in America"; now they just wanted the cheapest quantity possible.

It's been a long while since "made in America" meant a relatively high level of quality. Think of cars.
There are a lot of manufacturers in China who make junk, but not all of them. Apple is an example of using a high quality manufacturer. Their quality control is unmatched, anywhere in the world.