The relationship between Microsoft and Nokia is pretty solid and both companies will certainly support each other for some time to come, but recent vibes from Redmond show that Microsoft is not backing away from other hardware partners to develop its Windows Phone 8 platform devices. Its recent vocal support of HTC’s Windows Phone 8X shows just that. The invitation that Microsoft sent out for its official release of the new platform carefully disguises both Nokia Lumia phones and the HTC device as there are several variants of the invite that were sent to various journalists.
Microsoft’s CEO, Steve Ballmer was present at HTCs unveiling of the Windows Phone 8X and this shows Microsoft’s support for the Taiwanese handset manufacturer. The phone looks very similar to the Lumia 920. While Microsoft is spreading the word about Windows Phone it is clear that it won’t show favouritism to Nokia, which in fact is the only manufacturer to have an exclusive Windows Phone line up.
HTCs emergence as a key Windows Phone 8 manufacturer is quite important as it changes the dynamics of the smartphone market. With Verizon, America’s largest carrier choosing the HTC device to foray into the Windows Phone segment, it is evident that the carrier is favouring HTC over Nokia. In fact, Verizon had ignored all the previous Windows Phone devices from Nokia that were released in 2012. If Nokia loses out to HTC on Verizon, it could well mean that it is going to lose to HTC as the primary manufacturer of Windows Phone 8 devices.
Nokia’s CEO, Stephen Elop appears relatively unconcerned about Microsoft’s partnership with HTC and the latter’s prominence in the market. He is of the opinion that having established Lumia as a brand of phones for Windows Phone platforms, Nokia is well ahead of the game. He believes that manufacturers can call their devices “Windows Phone” but they lack the Lumia brand. Nokia also said that HTCs unveiling of the Windows Phone device was a considerable boost to the Windows Phone 8 ecosystem but later on went to emphasize on the Lumia’s key features such as the PureView camera, wireless charging and the like. Microsoft’s official launch of the platform draws near and it will be interesting to see what the company has planned for that day. The first phones to be released will definitely play an important role in the future of the platform.
