LG, Microsoft tie up in Windows Mobile deal
updated 07:45 am EST, Mon November 3, 2008
LG and MS Win Mobile Deal
LG and Microsoft this morning said they have both signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a strategic link between the two companies in mobile devices. The deal will see the two companies team up in research and development of devices as well as the creation of apps, devices, and marketing campaigns. LG makes clear that the deal centers around Windows Mobile and will take advantage of Microsoft's software experience.
The deal gives LG "critical momentum" in treating cellphones as mobile computers, according to LG chief Yong Nam, who signed the Memorandum along with Microsoft head Steve Ballmer.
No mention has been made of any financial transactions as part of the agreement.
Reaching a deal with LG is potentially critical to Microsoft, which has been struggling to increase its share of the smartphone market after inroads by Apple and Research in Motion as well as the introduction of Google's Android platform, which has seen potential shifts away from Windows Mobile by ASUS and Motorola as they consider the low-cost, open-source operating system as an alternative to either Microsoft's legacy mobile software or to limited, non-smartphone operating systems.
A "deal?" Hardly!
11/03, 08:22am reply
Yeah, I definitely wouldn't call marrying a loathed, failing mobile OS to your hardware a deal. I don't care what price you get it at, it's just going to lead to the cancer that kills you in the end.
Of course, what other real alternatives would LG have at this point? With the iPhone looming, taking over the market, you've got to do something. Perhaps this "deal" is more an issue of desperation.
Good luck to them, all the same.
danviento
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005
There Goes...
11/03, 10:12am reply
There goes one of the only good things about LG. Their phones have always been sub par, now they can load a sub par OS on them as well.
Salty
Professional Poster
Joined: Jul 2005
LG
11/03, 10:29am (1 reply) reply
LG stands for what?
Low Grade
Lousy Garbage
At least they're in good company getting in bed with Microsoft.
JeffHarris
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 1999
Psycho
11/03, 12:27pm reply
Uncle Fester is lookin' a little psycho in that picture.
loudpedal
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 1999
RE: A "deal?" Hardly!
11/03, 01:04pm reply
LG could've jumped in bed with Google, it would've been a much better move than Microsoft's useless mobile OS.
But maybe MS is up to something... I don't know... like turning on their Apple copier.
BelugaShark
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007
A perfect match
11/03, 01:50pm reply
LG = maker of c*** hardware
MS = maker of c*** software
To be fair, none of us have seen Win 7 Mobile, so maybe it's awesome ... uh, yeah ... sure ... as Judy Tenuda says, "IT COULD HAPPEN!"
chas_m
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Another happy "partner".
11/06, 04:18pm reply
I wish I could convince MY customers that we were partners. Microsoft is just a parts vendor.
LG buys memory chips, CPUs, screens, and many other parts, but somehow their OS vendor is their PARTNER?
LG bought a lot of licenses from MS, and end users should care... why? (Hint: they just want a phone that doesn't lock up every single day.)
Guest
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Joined: Nov 1999