Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 could come in three flavors
MS-Watch | at | by Mike
During the Windows Phone 7 Series unveiling on Feb. 15--and afterward, in discussions with Microsoft executives--it became very clear that Microsoft intended to work with its hardware partners to streamline the number of devices running the new smartphone operating system.
This seems the logical move, given that an operating system centered on touch screens will work on a more limited number of form factors. Also, as demonstrated by Microsoft's booth at January's Consumer Electronics Show, Windows Mobile runs on enough (wildly) different models of phone to make it a hair-tearing nightmare for any marketing guru attempting to establish a consistent brand "look" in the manner of BlackBerry or Apple.