Microsoft keeps mobile makers onside

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 3 Nov 2008 at 10:26

Microsoft and LG have signed a preliminary agreement on strategic collaboration in mobile technology.

"The agreement ensures continued strategic collaboration in R&D, marketing, applications, and services in the field of converged mobile devices," LG claims in a statement.

"Both companies will continue to define and align their mobile strategies through annual top management meeting."

The agreement was signed during Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's trip to South Korea.

Meanwhile Samsung Electronics has announced the launch of the domestic version of the Omnia touchscreen handset model, based on Windows Mobile 6.1.

Microsoft is hoping its Windows Mobile can continue to challenge Symbian, a platform backed by the world's top mobile phone maker Nokia and used in two-thirds of smartphones.

Blackberry-maker Research in Motion and Apple's iPhone are also growing threats to Symbian, while several manufacturers are planning or have started to roll out smartphones based on Google's Android software.

Both LG and Samsung are members of the Symbian Foundation and are also developing models based on Android.

"These are not new deals, but rather a way for South Korean makers to reinforce existing alliances," says Greg Roh, an analyst at Korea Investment & Securities.

"Competition is getting more and more fierce in the smartphone segment, and South Korean makers have some weaknesses on Symbian platforms, so it is understandable that they would broaden their alliances."