Microsoft already testing own smartphone

MicrosoftRumours that Microsoft is working on its own smartphone refuse to go away. Citing “people familiar with the situation,” The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Microsoft is already testing a smartphone design with its Asian suppliers. It remains to be seen if it will ever officially see the light of day though.

Little is known about this smartphone. The current prototype sports a display between four and five inches but there are no other details about it.

Rumours of a Microsoft Surface smartphone first surfaced shortly after Microsoft announced its Surface tablet. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer later confirmed that the company was planning to build more hardware under its own brand name. Despite assurances it would not build a Surface smartphone, Microsoft could well be waiting to see how the current crop of Windows Phone 8 devices will do before deciding whether or not to enter the market. Should sales fare poorly, it may opt to release a Surface smartphone in a bid to build traction for its Windows Phone operating system.

Read more: The Wall Street Journal