The China Times and WPCentral both claim that a device is already being tested at Microsoft’s labs.
WPCentral claim that “The only thing we do know is when compared to current WP8 hardware it’s something unique”, and gives no further details.
The move would build on Microsoft’s previously announced plan to make its own tablet computer, called the Surface, to show off the capabilities of its forthcoming Windows 8 operating system.
Microsoft has already announced Windows Phone devices with Nokia, HTC and Samsung, as well as other partners, but although many have been positively reviewed, none has yet sold in the numbers the company needs to make an impact against Android or iOS.
WPCentral also speculated that a Windows Phone would be attractive to Microsoft “in case the Windows Phone 8 launch doesn’t go well and the currently announced devices don’t catch on. Nokia could be in trouble financially and Microsoft would need another dedicated hardware partner”.
It is building the Surface computer, it claims, to show off the true potential of Windows 8. Speaking at an event in Hollywood chief executive Steve Ballmer said the two touchscreen devices, which are likely to launch from October, made “no compromises” between tablet and PC capabilities.
Rival mobile rumours website BGR.com also reports that Microsoft is working on a mobile phone of its own, which is set to compete with devices such as the iPhone and the S3. It claimed, however, that such a handset is not due for launch in the first wave of products.
