Microsoft Surface Smartphone Coming Soon: Report

Microsoft caused quite the stir when it unveiled its Surface tablet computer last year. It's rumored the move angered the firm's traditional hardware partners, including Hewlett-Packard (HP), Samsung, and Acer, who didn't like having to compete with Microsoft for customers.

Now, it appears Microsoft may be preparing to ruffle feathers in another sector of the consumer technology industry.

Windows Phone 8 to Suffer: Nokia

Mobile phone maker Nokia, which produces handheld devices running Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 mobile operating system (OS), has reportedly filed a complaint with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voicing concerns about an upcoming Surface smartphone.

"Microsoft may make strategic decisions or changes that may be detrimental to us," the Nokia filing reads. "For example, in addition to the Surface tablet, Microsoft may broaden its strategy to sell other mobile devices under its own brand, including smartphones."

Nokia says this would present major problems for long-running partners in the mobile industry. (Source: bgr.com)

"This could lead Microsoft to focus more on their own devices and less on mobile devices of other manufacturers that operate on the Windows Phone platform, including Nokia."

Nokia is also concerned that a Surface smartphone could lead Microsoft to phase out it Windows Phone 8 operating system altogether. "Our smartphone strategy would be directly negatively affected by such acts," Nokia says.

Microsoft Developing Surface Phone Prototype: Report

This isn't the first time we've heard rumors that Microsoft is working on its very own smartphone. Similar reports emerged last fall; at the time, some experts suggested a Microsoft phone could be revealed within a few months.

But a Surface smartphone unveiling never came to pass. Will it this time? Well, it appears Nokia management believes the chances are pretty good.

Tech blog The Verge says it has learned that Microsoft is "in the early stages of concept and prototyping what a Surface phone would eventually look like."

However, the blog admits that this "doesn't mean the company is committed to bringing such a product to market." (Source: theverge.com)