Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. may not be the only company looking to sell a mobile phone using Microsoft Corp.’s software in the United States; it appears Taiwanese manufacturer Chi Mei Communication Systems Inc. is also planning to release a Microsoft Smartphone device here.
Pictures and details of the device were available on the Federal Communications Commission Web site. The FCC approves every radio-frequency device sold in the United States. The flip-style phone features GSM/GPRS network support and Microsoft’s Smartphone operating system. It appears to be called the Beethoven. Chi Mei did not immediately return requests for comment. It is unclear when the device will be available and which carrier will sell it.
Microsoft executives have confirmed that Samsung’s CDMA SCH-i600 phone will be available in the United States before the end of the year. The flip-style phone features a color screen and Microsoft’s Smartphone operating system. The phone will likely be the first using Microsoft’s software to be sold in the United States.
Currently, several carriers around the world sell devices using Microsoft’s smart-phone software. European carrier Orange was the first in the world to sell the device starting late last year.
Rumors have circulated for months now about a possible Motorola device using Microsoft software. Both companies have declined to comment on the possible device.
Also available on the FCC’s Web site were pictures of forthcoming phones from Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, Samsung Corp. and NEC Corp.
