Microsoft should be happy following this week’s announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2013 – check out all pieces) as a pair of U.S.-based carriers released plans to offer devices powered by its Windows Phone 8 operating system.
Sprint Nextel is adding a pair of Windows Phone 8 devices in its portfolio, announcing the upcoming availability of two smartphones by summer. Those devices will be provided by Samsung and HTC, though the carrier did not unveil further details on exactly which phones it would sell.
Currently, Sprint Nextel does not offer any Windows Phone 8 devices in its portfolio, with its only Microsoft-powered device being the Motorola ES400S running Microsoft’s legacy Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system. In a statement, Fared Adib, SVP for product development and operations at Sprint Nextel, said that the carrier has had a strong relationship with Microsoft for many years, noting the company is excited to reinforce its commitment to the Windows 8 platform.
Sprint Nextel added that “these devices, coupled with Sprint’s unlimited 4G LTE data experience, will make it easy for Windows Phone 8 customers to have the most personal smartphone experience possible, wherever they are.”
As noticed earlier, Verizon Wireless announced at CES it has picked up Samsung’s Ativ Odyssey device. The smartphone is an addition to Verizon Wireless’ current Windows Phone 8 lineup, which also includes the Windows Phone 8X by HTC and Nokia Lumia 822. Prior to this week’s CES event, Verizon Communications CEO Lowell McAdam noted at an investor conference that the carrier was been active in working with OS and device providers to bring options beyond the dominate players in Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android to the market, specifically noting Research In Motion’s plans for its BlackBerry 10 OS that are expected to be announced later this month.
