March 4, 2010

Microsoft set to invest $1 billion in Windows Mobile

According to Forbes, Microsoft is set to make a $1 billion investment into the mobile market, as its plans to acquire Palm - or Research in Motion (RIM) - are “unlikely” to happen.

Instead, Microsoft will be investing the $1 billion into its very own Windows Mobile operating system, rather than acquiring Research in Motion.  Microsoft said it will put the money towards the research and development of Windows Mobile.

Microsoft is well known for putting huge amounts of money towards advertising campaigns, including the Xbox 360 and Windows 7.  If the company assigns a large proportion of the $1 billion investment to marketing then this could very well bring Windows Mobile (or Windows Phone 7 Series) out of the single digit marketshare, a mere 8.7% last year.  Symbian stole the show with 46.9%, while Research in Motion had 19.9% and the iPhone had 14.4% alone last year.

Microsoft is really aiming for a success with its Windows Phone 7 Series, to compete with the likes of the iPhone and other strong mobile competitors.

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