@ CES: Microsoft Mobile: 'Welcome To The Party, Apple'

I happened to be in a meeting with Windows Mobile just after the iPhone announcement and couldn’t resist bringing it up. John Starkweather, group product manager for the Mobile & Embedded Devices Division: “Until somebody sees it and actually plays with it, I’ll reserve comment other than to say ‘Apple, welcome to the party,’ … If you’re going to sell a phone, it better be a great phone. Let’s see what they ship.” He added, “We have a very different strategy.”
During casual conversation in the Microsoft press tent, a Microsoft exec suggested the best way to look at it is Apple is attending a different party. Microsoft’s mobile target is primarily business. As for cost, some PDA/phones run $500 or more without upgrade rebates or corporate bulk purchase but the phones consumers might buy tend to be more mid-range. Apple is aimed squarely at the consumer.
The two will be sharing a virtual and literal roof at Cingular. Windows Mobile 5.0 is featured prominently on a variety of highly publicized Cingular handsets including the Samsung Blackjack with its emphasis on music combined with busness apps. More later.

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