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Microsoft OS Smart Phone for Developing Nations

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the red-line-to-pad-the-bottom-line dept.

YesSir writes "The New York Times is reporting that Microsoft CTO Craig J. Mundie and Bill Gates are talking about the idea of a specially designed cellphone that could be converted into a full-fledged computer through a connection to a TV and keyboard. They hope to use this product to bring computing to the masses in developing nations and be a Windows powerd alternative to Nicholas Negroponte's $100 free open-source powerd laptop."

4 of 209 comments (clear)

  1. Bill's throwing his toys out of the pram by 99luftballon · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Here's a great example of the closeminded view seen at Microsoft so often. He can't get his mind about the concept that to make a developing nation customer pay for their operating system, or for the software needed to use it, is a tad obscene when there's a free or nearly free alternative.

    Crippling the hardware to make up for this software royalty (ever try producing a large document on a mobile phone screen?) isn't the answer. I'm not sure Negroponte has it right either - low cost PC boxes and CRT monitors that are unsellable in the West are going to be a cheaper alternative in the short term .

  2. Makes sense - doesn't it? by cyberjessy · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Looking forward, this does make business sense.

    1. General purpose computing is not processor intensive (especially when you combine it with ASP style internet apps). We could fit it into a phone, easily.
    2. This could drive more powerful and efficient processors for smaller devices. $100 is not improbable in a short time.
    3. Cell phone penetration is good in developing world too (India/China). Its good to have a device with other uses too.
    4. MS might have Windows Live! in mind. Ultimately this might be available world-wide, along with free subscription of Windows Live.

    Overall, here is an interesting strategy:
    1. Home Entertainment+ = XBox 360
    2. Value+ = , Pocket PC, Windows CE
    3. Servers = Windows on x64, IA64
    4. Desktops and Laptops - Windows Vista
    The interesting this is, there is very little overlap between the target markets here. And they have got all the bases covered.

    --
    Life is just a conviction.
  3. Who needs those $100 tablets? by subreality · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Thanks, MS, for providing a nice refreshing dose of vaporware to make sure any competitor trying to do something innovative gets crushed.

  4. Re:proves the old argument by kfg · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Assuming the used machine runs on batteries powered by solar cells, pedals, small windmill, crank, etc.

    You people need to get out of the city more. It would save me lot of time pointing out that in much of the world there simply no place to plug in a computer; and much of that world is exactly where this idea is targeted.

    Infrastructure is not ubiquitous.

    KFG