Microsoft Secret Prototype Phone Stolen

bossanovalithium writes to tell us that details are emerging about the theft of a top secret prototype mobile device stolen from an executive's pocket. Time to start watching eBay. "There are fears that leaks regarding the features and early bugs in the software could mar the launch of Windows Mobile 6.5 which the company hopes will give it the edge over the iPhone and the new Google Android operating system. The new product includes support for touch-screen technology similar to that found on the Apple iPhone. Among the features offered in the new service unveiled by Microsoft's chief executive, Steve Ballmer, on Tuesday, is a version of Windows Marketplace for Mobiles, which is set to compete with the popular Apple's App Store and provide easy ways to download music and products to mobiles. "

Comments

Re:An edge?

[MrEricSir]

The real edge is that the Exchange client actually works on Windows Mobile.

Can't say this for the iPhone, sadly.

Re:andnothingofvaluewaslost

[Anthony_Cargile]

Or was this just a way to generate hype?

Reminds me of the South Park episode where they were trying to figure out who was behind 9/11 (started with Cartman saying the Jews did it), and towards the end President Bush said "Ha! and all along the plans were right here in my hands, and you'll never get them!" - then he turns around and yawns while looking over his shoulder and dropping the "secret plans" on the floor.

Yeah, I could see this being something like that, and if so then they learned from their "leaks" of Windows 7. But that's just me.

Re:andnothingofvaluewaslost

[Cornelius the Great]

The phone wasn't built by Microsoft. It wasn't even MS-branded- it was an HTC Touch Pro 2.

This is pretty much non-news. WM 6.5 beta has been leaked in various iterations and some of the guys at xda-developers have already cooked these into roms for several devices. I've even flashed it onto my HTC Touch Pro just to see what it's like. Guess what, (surprise!) it's slower and even more bloated than WM6.1. It didn't last for more than a couple hours before I got fed up and rolled it back. Honestly, 6.5 didn't add anything useful to 6.1. Just a honey-comb UI that looks crappier/more jerky than TouchFlo/Manilla or Spb Mobile shell.

I don't really think MS has to worry about trade secrets about its "new and improved" mobile OS being leaked to Apple, RIM, or Google. The only benefit a competitor would gain is a quick laugh.