The ‘Clash of the Titans’ continues to escalate as Microsoft is doing whatever it can to deter; distract and derail Android’s (OS) ascent. Clearly; the tide has turned as Redmond now finds itself being the ‘victim’ e.g., aggressor vs. the position / role of playing ‘defense’ (as the firm seems to easily move from role-to-role based on their market objectives).
Recall how Microsoft took down Netscape (via essentially giving away IE when it was nothing more than a ‘me-too’ afterthought within the Browser space). Paradoxically (and/or due to Redmond’s own ineptitude) the company was once the default mobile / smartphone leader. However, after essentially attempting (how many times) to cram Windows onto a phone… they lost out as Apple blew them (and everyone else for that matter) away with the iPhone’s debut in 2007.
Not to be outdone; Google’s Android OS was largely dismissed just under two-years ago upon being introduced. Fast forward; now that it’s gained substantial market share and is firmly the second option (in an increasingly tilted two-option playing field) Microsoft is going to pull-out every variable in order to gain whatever traction that it can.
As patent litigation’s role in the ‘cost of doing business’ continues to increase and become the norm (vs. the exception) perhaps Redmond’s approach would be more effective via actually winning over the hearts and minds of mobile developers? Read: 7% mention Windows Phone 7 vs. 44% for Apple and Google, respectively… (regarding who will dominate the Mobile Enterprise space no less!) Granted; this is in all probability just the idiot savant staying the obvious; however, by doing so it might also equate to their input on the actual hardware design itself (hint, hint; Nokia) whereas a more competitive smartphone offering would result (thereby drawing real consumer interest and traction within this market).
From Information Week: http://goo.gl/AwMrt