Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 has both consumers and vendors excited. The software giant’s upcoming operating system that will blend mobile and desktop computing together also looks to bring new partners into the Redmond-based company’s ecosystem. Huawei on Thursday announced that it has partnered with Microsoft to offer a Window Phone 8 handset later this year. “2012 is building up to be a great year for Huawei. Now, we are poised to end the year with a big bang – with the introduction of our first smartphone running on the Windows Phone platform,” said Shao Yang, Huawei’s chief marketing officer. “We’re very excited about this relationship with Microsoft which will enable us to provide our customers with a bigger array of Huawei smartphone choices.” The Chinese company is looking to increase its presence in the mobile landscape, and will spend $200 million on advertising this year to boost brand awareness. According to a report from Reuters, Huawei may also manufacturer a Windows 8 tablet computer. Read more for Huawei’s press release.
Huawei to build new Ascend Windows Phone 8 handset
Expanded relationship with Microsoft signals Huawei’s ambitions to solidify its leadership in the global smartphone market
Shenzhen, 21 June 2012: Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today announced it is expanding its relationship with Microsoft Corp. for the creation of Huawei’s first Windows Phone handset. Part of the Huawei Ascend family, the company’s portfolio of best-in-class smartphones, the Huawei Ascend with Windows Phone 8 expands Huawei’s smartphone portfolio and brings the Windows Phone operating system to an even bigger audience. Huawei is one of the selected vendors in the world to carry the Windows Phone 8 operating system on its smartphones.
“2012 is building up to be a great year for Huawei. Now, we are poised to end the year with a big bang – with the introduction of our first smartphone running on the Windows Phone platform. We’re very excited about this relationship with Microsoft which will enable us to provide our customers with a bigger array of Huawei smartphone choices,” says Shao Yang, chief marketing officer, Huawei Device.
“It’s great to welcome Huawei to the Windows Phone family. The only phone with Live Tiles, Windows Phone brings you closest to the people and things you care most about,” said Terry Myerson, Corporate Vice President of the Windows Phone Division at Microsoft. “With Huawei’s impressive global capabilities, together we can bring Windows Phone 8 to more people around the world.”
The Huawei Ascend with Windows Phone 8 is expected to be available in Europe, China and United States, with other markets to follow. It will be marketed through a series of promotional activities in conjunction with key mobile operators around the world.
