Report: Asustek in talks to license Windows Phone 8 for handsets
- 17 January, 2013 21:17
- Comments
Taiwan's Asustek is in talks with Microsoft about using the company's Windows Phone 8 OS in a smartphone, according to a report.
The company, perhaps best known as a manufacturer of laptop and tablet computers, is looking to expand its existing partnership with Microsoft into the smartphone space, according to a Dow Jones report that quoted Benson Lin, corporate vice president of mobile-communication products at Asustek.
Lin said Asustek is considering producing a version of its Padfone 2, a 4.7-inch Android smartphone that docks into a 10.1-inch tablet PC, using Windows Phone 8, according to the report. Lin also told Dow Jones the company is already talking with U.S. cellular carriers with a view to them offering Asustek handsets by 2014.
Microsoft launched Windows Phone 8 to critical acclaim in late 2012. The launch range of handsets came from Nokia and Taiwan's HTC and more are expected from other manufacturers as 2013 progresses.
A critical measure of its potential for success this year will come about a month from now, when the mobile telecommunications industry gathers in Barcelona for the annual Mobile World Congress expo. The event typically sets the scene for the cell phone industry for at least the first half of the year.
Throughout the report, Dow Jones quoted Lin as talking about Windows 8, although it appears that was being used as shorthand for Windows Phone 8. Windows 8 is Microsoft's equally new OS that is aimed at desktop, laptop and tablet computers.
Asustek could not immediately be reached for comment.
Martyn Williams covers mobile telecoms, Silicon Valley and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Martyn on Twitter at @martyn_williams. Martyn's e-mail address is martyn_williams@idg.com
Recommended
Join the CIO Australia group on LinkedIn. The group is open to CIOs, IT Directors, COOs, CTOs and senior IT managers.
- Bookmark this page
- Share this article
- Got more on this story? Email CIO
- Follow CIO on twitter
-
Larry Page wants to see your medical records
-
Dual-Persona Smartphones Not a BYOD Panacea
-
After two-year hiatus, EFF accepts bitcoin donations again
-
CIOs struggle to deliver timely mobile business apps: survey
-
Spiceworks' free management software gets integrated MDM
-
2013 Global Information Security Survey: Initial findings
The results of PwC’s annual Global Information Security Survey indicate that companies are confident in their efforts to secure systems, information, and privacy. Strategies and personnel are in place, they say, and processes and technology are humming along. The number of incidents reported seems manageable. Read more. -
Governance For All - Empowering IT and Business Content Owners
Governance for all is more than an IT initiative or a goal written in a plan document; it’s a strategy that unites IT and business content owners to achieve their SharePoint goals. At its best, governance means empowering self-governance, with tools like delegated access, effective reporting, and automated policy enforcement. This white paper explains how to create a “governance for all” strategy that will enhance SharePoint adoption and its benefits to the organization. Read now. -
Building a Better Mousetrap in Anti-Malware
This story is becoming frustratingly old. Cyber threats are continuously advancing in their adaptability speed, sophistication, and degree of stealthiness. At the same time, the exposed footprint is expanding. More business operations are moving online and end-user devices—corporate-issued and user-owned—are expanding in number and variety. A reasonable question asked by executives responsible for making decisions on their organisations’ security budgets is whether their money and resources are being spent wisely. Are their businesses buying and using the best mix of security technologies to meet their needs and obligations? Read on.
Get exclusive access to Invitation only events CIO, reports & analysis. 
