17 October 2007
A Microsoft phone interface patent has come to light, in a leak which one industry source describes as potentially "embarrassing" for the company.
Diagrams of the new Microsoft technology described in the patent show voicemail and photo gallery applications almost identical to that of Apple's iPhone.
"This could be an embarrassing PR disaster for Microsoft who will be looking for a successor to the Windows Mobile software," Mad4MobilePhones comments.
However, according to dialaphone.co.uk, it is likely that the patent is referring to an updated version of Microsoft Windows Mobile software - which provides operating systems for Smartphones and Pocket PCs - rather than a standalone device.
Another potential iPhone rival, Google's heavily-rumoured and long-awaited 'Gphone' recently received a significant blow to its credibility from Vodafone boss Arun Sarin.
In an interview with the New York Times, he said: "You can reach Google already through a number of devices. You don't need a Google phone to do that."
The owners of the world's most popular internet search engine are expected to announce plans for their new device next year.
Apple's iPhone goes on sale in the UK on November 9th.
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