Microsoft opens growth windows for cell phones
Microsoft aims to double the number of mobile phones running its Windows software this year from six million at the end of 2005 and to keep up its rate of growth in coming years.
Microsoft competes in the market for smartphones, which can run software applications such as email, mobile TV and games, with British software maker Symbian, owned by the world’s top producers including Nokia. Nokia has about half the global market for smartphones.
Smartphones also face competition from RIM Blackberry, the world’s largest mobile e-mail device, which has recently launched a new model, the Pearl, with additional camera and music functions. Blackberry users also number a little over six million.