Microsoft Reportedly Confirmed to be Testing WP8 Powered Surface Smartphone

Numerous reports in the past have indicated again and again that Microsoft is secretly prepping to launch their own handset which would run on the Window Phone 8 platform. Earlier reports also claimed that a spokesperson from Microsoft had stated that the software giant has been working with hardware partners, in order to launch a Windows Phone 8 in the market in 2012.

The latest update on the rumor story is that the company is currently working with a few component suppliers in Asia to test its smartphone design.

Going by the lines of a recent Wall Street Journal report, sources familiar with the matter have claimed that the software giant is testing the design of its own smartphone along with the part suppliers, however, there is no information regarding the production of the same.

Reportedly, the rumored smartphone might have a display size between 4 to 5 inches. The speculations regarding the Microsoft smartphone has been swirling since a couple of months, but, it started building up stronger with the launch of the Surface tablet.

Also, in an interview with WSJ, Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer declined to comment on whether Microsoft would make its own smartphone.

"We're quite happy this holiday [season] going to market hard with Nokia, Samsung and HTC" said Mr. Ballmer, referring to companies making smartphones powered by Microsoft software. "Whether we had a plan to do something different or we didn't have a plan I wouldn't comment in any dimension."

According to a TheVerge report, during an investors call Nokia CEO Steven Elop was asked whether a Microsoft Surface smartphone would be seen as a competitor or welcomed, to which the replied that it would certainly be a stimulant to the ecosystem, and went on stating that they encourage Microsoft, Samsung, HTC or whoever to make investments that spur the ecosystem.

However, BGR claimed that Microsoft will unveil its smartphone in the first quarter of 2013. However, the report could not confirm the exact time of launch. Also a recent Windows Phone Central report suggested that Microsoft have their Windows Phone hardware ready and that it is in the last stage of development – testing.

It is also to be noted that the software giant launched youth-centric smartphone called Kin in 2012 and quickly discontinued it. However, those where only carrying the Microsoft brand, but they were actually manufactured by Sharp Corp, the Japanese electronics company.