Singapore-based Flextronics looks set to add substantially to the global installed base of Microsoft-powered smart phones. Flextronics brings to the table a low cost, high volume, no compromise phone for OEMs We think Flextronics will really bring some efficiencies here, John Starkweather, senior product manager with Microsoft’s mobile and embedded devices division, told ComputerWire. He described the Peabody design as very small
Flextronics is one of a number of so-called original design manufacturers (ODMs) to have given their backing to Windows Mobile, often ahead of rival platforms such as Symbian OS or Palm OS. Taiwan’s High Tech Computer Corp (HTC) is perhaps the best known of these through the numerous mobile operator branded devices to have come to market over the last two and a half years. These include Orange’s SPV range and T-Mobile’s MDA series.
Starkweather said Microsoft’s ODM handset partners deserve more credit than they often receive for their technology innovation. What we’re seeing across the board is that our ODM partners are really tired of the perception that they’re sweatshop companies [for Microsoft products], he said.
