MS tries to downplay Android threat

Microsoft Windows Consumer Product GM James DeBragga drew attention at a CES panel late last week with remarks attacking Android. When discussing netbooks, the executive criticized the OS after eDGe creator Entourage's CEO praised it for being free. DeBragga said it was only "free like a puppy" and suggested it was trouble when it actually came to using it.

At the Laptop-moderated panel, he instead touted Windows Mobile as being better for its end-to-end support, as Microsoft has an established process for supporting the smartphone developers and making sure they in turn can help customers. Early Nexus One buyers needing help have faced difficulties as most non-billing support alternates between Google and HTC, creating confusion.

The general manager also dismissed the notions of smartbooks and tablets introduced at the show, such as the ICD Ultra and Lenovo Skylight. To DeBragga, these aren't effective as Windows hardware is better prepared to work offline where the lighter machines often don't have enough storage or performance to work without Internet access.

Both observations nonetheless come after Microsoft's news was overshadowed at CES. In addition to high-profile Android phones like the Backflip and Nexus One, virtually all handheld or smartbook-class devices unveiled at the Las Vegas gathering were running Android or a variant of Linux and pushed Windows Mobile almost entirely to the sidelines. Often, these platforms are necessary as they're both the only major operating systems that will run on ARM chips as well as less expensive to license.

By Electronista Staff