LG & Microsoft plan new "converged mobile devices"

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 04 November 2008 02:03

IT Industry - Strategy

Microsoft has expanded its year old mobile partnership with Korea's LG Electronics, the world's fourth largest cellphone manufacturer, to develop new converged mobile devices.

The agreement was signed in Seoul by Yong Nam, vice-chairman and CEO of LG Electronics and Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. Few details were provided in the ensuing announcement, which was issued by LG, but not by Microsoft.

However it would appear that the two intend to work towards devices with a wide range of functionality, and certainly well beyond Windows Mobile based smartphones.

According to Yong Nam, the agreement "will create critical momentum in the industry...With this partnership, mobile computing will truly become an everyday reality, and LG and Microsoft will be at the forefront of it.

"The agreement ensures continued strategic collaboration in R&D, marketing, applications, and services in the field of converged mobile devices. The proposed partnership also reflects both companies' commitment to leverage best-in-class technology, resources and expertise by joining forces with leading players in key markets."

LG said that, under the MoU, its converged mobile device business would be "reinforced through incorporating LG's core competences in marketing and products in mobile and IT sector and Microsoft's proficiency in Windows Mobile OS, application, and services."

Both companies said they would "continue to define and align their mobile strategies through annual top management meetings."
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