Microsoft surprised a lot of people when it announced its new Windows 8-powered Surface tablets back in June, not only because there hadn't really been many leaks or rumors about the products, but also because there were already several companies preparing Windows 8 tablet hardware. Since the unveiling of the Surface tablets, many have been wondering whether or not Microsoft would follow those products up with its own Windows Phone 8 smartphone as well. According to a pair of new reports, that may be the case. WPCentral claims to have been told by a source that a Microsoft-made Windows Phone exists and is being testing by the company. However, the only details about the product mentioned are that it's "unique" when compared to the current pack of Windows Phone 8 hardware.
A similar report was posted earlier this morning by BGR. The site says that it's been told that Microsoft is prepping its own Windows Phone 8 handset that could debut at some point "in the coming months." Once again, details on the device are light, but it is said to be in the later stages of its development process.
A Windows Phone created by Microsoft has the potential to be a pretty interesting device, especially after seeing what the company was able to put together with the Surface tablets. Of course, Microsoft has already appeared at HTC and Nokia Windows Phone 8 events to back the products coming from the two companies, and it's even in a "strategic partnership" with Nokia, so a Microsoft-created Windows Phone 8 smartphone could be kind of strange and may not sit well with the hardware partners that it's appeared cozy with lately. If Windows Phone doesn't start gaining more significant traction in the months after Windows Phone 8's launch, though, Microsoft may feel it's necessary to give making its own smartphone a go. What do you all make of this rumor? Think a Microsoft Windows Phone 8 handset will ever see the light of day?
