Microsoft calls iPhone 4 Apple's Windows Vista
updated 02:05 pm EDT, Wed July 14, 2010
MS exec thinks iPhone 4 may mimic Vista's failure
Microsoft chief operating officer Kevin Turner skewered Apple's missteps with the iPhone 4 in his talk at the Windows Partner Conference today. He noted that Windows Phone 7 devices shouldn't have problems with holding the phone and likened the iPhone 4 to Microsoft's own experiences with Windows Vista, where development problems helped competitors gain ground. A stumble by Apple in public perception would help Windows Phone 7 attract customers just as Microsoft itself needs to restore its image.
"It looks like the iPhone 4 might be their Vista, and I'm okay with that," he said. "We're back in the game [at Microsoft], and this game is not over."
The statements reflect a growing sense that Apple may need to institute a recall or case giveaway to avoid a public image problem, but they also prove ironic given Microsoft's own recent difficulties. In addition to continued slides in Windows Mobile share as customers either opt for Android and iPhone devices or wait for Windows Phone 7. A very public death of the Kin has also raised questions about the company's ability to develop mobile projects without executive rivalries and an arbitrary use of code triggering delays or limiting features.
Microsoft itself is tentative about Windows Phone 7 and treats it as a 1.0 release that has dropped features like multitasking to make its late 2010 shipping target.
TAGS :
iPhone, industry, Microsoft, Vista, Windows Mobile, mobile phones, Apple, Windows Phone 7, Kin, iPhone 4
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Isn't Kin the Windows Vista of mobile phones, not the iPhone?