Windows Phone Thoughts: LG Electronics To Introduce Windows Mobile Devices

"BusinessWeek has learned that LG Electronics, the fourth-largest mobile phone maker, is developing new Windows Mobile devices. With Samsung and Motorola (MOT) already selling Windows Mobile phones, Microsoft will have three of the top five handset makers in its camp. LG says it's working on at least two new smartphones, including devices that would use its touch-screen technology rather than buttons. The first handsets will hit the market in the second half of this year."



Out of the top five, only Nokia and Sony Ericsson have yet to look at releasing Windows Mobile devices - and from official comments and reports (and the new Nokia Maps launched today), Nokia appear to be interested in the possibility. Gartner (report via MSMobiles), a well-known market research company, has issued some blunt advice to Nokia on that score. With more and more vendors looking at or producing Windows Mobile devices we seem to be getting to the point where WM is reacing mass-market acceptance, and just as important, we could be seeing an explosion of choices in the months to come. Taking that with the launch of Crossbow next week and Photon next year, we're about to enter an interesting period, no?

Update 02/12:

Engadget has got wind of two devices that LG will produce - a "Prada" version and a "Chocolate" version. No other details are available as of now, but it shouldn't be long before we got more info.