Microsoft working on a new smartphone running a different version of Windows Mobile

The saying "it's not over until the fat lady sings" might perfectly apply to Microsoft's Windows Phone plans. Even though many believe the company is done with everything related to smartphones, it looks like things might not be as bleak.

Sales of Windows Phone handsets stopped almost completely, and the market share nosedived under 1% worldwide over the last couple few years. Microsoft did not seem interested in continuing with its smartphone business having sold its mobile division.

Well, it appears that the Redmond-based company still flirts with the idea of being a major player in the smartphone industry. According to multiple Microsoft insiders, the company hasn't completely lost interest in Windows Mobile and the hardware that could run the OS.

As a matter fact, it appears that Microsoft is currently testing a new smartphone running “a separate branch of Windows Mobile.” The UI of the new OS is completely different than anything we've seen until now.

Also, Microsoft might have been removed support for Silverlight apps in the updated version of Windows Mobile in favor of “new mobile experiences.”

Both the device and the new version of Windows Mobile are still in early stages of development, which means Microsoft might cancel the project at any time if the results are not encouraging.
 

Phonearena