MS Project Pink due spring, sold in VZ stores

More details about Microsoft's Pure and Turtle phones have emerged tonight as part of a detailed leak from two sources. They now claim that the phones are due to reach Verizon in May or June and, unlike the path taken by Google with the Nexus One, will be sold in Verizon shops. Despite being made by Sharp, however, they may only end up carrying Microsoft and Verizon badging.

The insiders didn't tell BusinessWeek much about the hardware itself but did elaborate on traces of the software and target audience. Both will have the rumored social networking emphasis and will be deliberately aimed at teenagers, much as with the T-Mobile Sidekick. It's already known that the devices won't use Windows Phone 7 and instead will have a similar but simpler, non-smartphone platform.

Even though the phones would clearly favor a particular hardware partner and potentially jeopardize Microsoft's role in the mobile business, the company is still reportedly committed to supporting third-party companies making Windows Mobile or Windows Phone devices. As conventional "feature phones," the Pure and Turtle wouldn't directly overlap with Microsoft's traditional business.

No mention has been made of the GSM versions already known to be in development.

All of the phones are known to be Microsoft's bid to regain some of the phone market and would likely target the mid-range media phone market. The area has rarely been occupied by Microsoft but is increasingly filled by relatively inexpensive smartphones like the iPhone 3G, Palm Pixi and occasionally Android devices.

By Electronista Staff