Will Microsoft build its own Windows Phone 8 device?

Until a few days ago, most people might not have believed that Microsoft was going to launch its own tablet hardware. Then came the Microsoft Surface reveal on Monday. So it stands to reason that if Microsoft is prepping to enter one hardware industry, could it also enter the mobile market?

That's what Nomura financial analyst Rick Sherlund says. Business Insider states that in a note to investors, he states:

Separately, our industry sources tell us that Microsoft may be working with a contract manufacturer to develop their own handset for Windows Phone 8. It is unclear to us whether this would be a reference platform or whether this may be a go-to market Microsoft branded handset.

The note from Sherland adds that he would not be surprised to see Microsoft release a Windows Phone 8 device sometime in 2013. The prospect of Microsoft entering the smartphone hardware market is certainly a lot more plausible now than it was just a week ago thanks to the Surface announcement.

Some people in the past have speculated that Microsoft could acquire Nokia as a way to build its own Windows Phone 8 devices. If it does make that move, Microsoft would be following the example of Google, which recently closed the deal to buy Motorola Mobility.

Source: Business Insider