Microsoft keeping an eye on Android

Microsoft consider bringing Silverlight to Android as they gave up on an iPhone version.

So said Microsoft Vice President Scott Guthrie:

“Basically where we’re at right now is we have talked with Apple. We are very interested in being able to run [Silverlight] on the iPhone. At the end of the day, Apple ultimately controls what software runs on the iPhone. To date, what they’ve said is that at this time, they’re not looking to enable browser plug-ins like Silverlight or Flash to run on top of it.”

The openness of the Android platform once again seduces third part developers and Microsoft is not exception. Not only can anyone submit an app but this app can also bring alternative possibilities to what the OS can do. Besides, Android apps will also be able to run in the background. Guthrie added:

“[The] Google phone is slightly different. It’s more of an open platform, that is something we’re going to continue to look at. Certainly as it’s gotten deployed and if sales are good we’ll definitely keep our eyes out and look at that in the future.”

Related articles

• Microsoft Considering Silverlight For The Android Platform

Touch me!

Let's get a bit serious with some stats! Mobile Tech news has an interesting article on touchscreen mobiles and their increasing success.

According to a recent market research from Strategy Analytics , touchscreen mobiles' sales will reach 90 million units worldwide.

This is not really a surprise as 2009 seems to be the year for touchscreen mobiles.
Apple will build up on the iPhone success story, the new Windows Mobile 7, due to be out in 2009, will also be dedicated to exclusive finger usage and of course there is the arrival of Google's Android which was also designed for such mobiles.

Besides that, big brand names like Nokia (check the Tube) or RIM (check the Blackberry Thunder) have also announced their first touchscreens devices.

Competition is sure to be fierce and we can only hope that it will benefit everybody with plenty of cool phones and apps!

Related articles

• Microsoft will maintain licensing fees for Windows Mobile
• Ballmer on mobile: Apple will lose and we will win because 'we're separatists'
• Nokia to unveil touch-screen phone

Meanwhile, after the first phone's leaked pictures before the the official presentation, the leaked user manual, TmoNews have first leaked pictures of the T-Mobile G1 unboxing. No doubts, it is coming home real soon now!