"The problem for Symbian," ABI analyst Brian Pellegrini notes, "is that they're only targeting higher-end phones, which form a tiny part of the market." Not too many people are going to have these expensive models, he contends. Most will have simpler "enhanced" phones with a color screen, maybe a camera, but not many very advanced features.
Microsoft is definitely interested in this opportunity, says Pellegrini, and its advantage is that the mobile OS segment is miniscule compared to the rest of its business. "Money is not really an issue for them," he says. "They have even talked about offering free Windows Mobile licenses, just to get the product used."
Not that Microsoft has no challenges to face. According to ABI, it might have difficulty getting small independent developers to create applications, because Windows software is closed-source. Handset vendors, used to being able to customize applications for their specific devices, may worry about interoperability or fear encroachment on their markets. But with its very deep pockets and vast resources, the "Redmond giant" may be able to handle the bulk of application development itself, ABI says.
Further information on ABI's new study, "Wireless Handset Software", is available on the company's
website.
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