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Microsoft makes play for Android OEMs, brands Windows Phone as the only 'equal opportunities' platform

No one manufacturer favoured over another

Microsoft makes play for Android OEMs, brands Windows Phone as the only 'equal opportunities' platform
It says something about the excitement - or lack of it - surrounding Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility that the biggest change that came about was aactually a rise in Nokia's share price.

Why? Because those in the know expected Microsoft to immediately counter with a bid for Nokia.

There are two reasons why such a purchase is unlikely, however. Firstly, with Nokia now fully on board with Windows Phone and scaling back support for Symbian and MeeGo, buying the firm outright would be an unnecessary expense.

Secondly, as president of Microsoft's Windows Phone division Andy Lees has pointed out, it would threaten the firm's current impartiality.

Partner play

"Investing in a broad and truly open mobile ecosystem is important for the industry and consumers alike, and Windows Phone is now the only platform that does so with equal opportunity for all partners," Lees said in a statement, as brief as it was pointed.

Lee's comments are, of course, an unashamed play for greater support from Android OEMs impacted by the Motorola deal.

But while Nokia remains officially independent of Lees and co., Microsoft has already hinted it will receive certain benefits currently out of reach of existing Windows Phone manufacturers, such as a more tailored take on the platform's Marketplace.

Indeed, the sheer size of the announcement – and Nokia's position as the #2 smartphone manufacturer on the planet – means the Finnish firm's handsets will undoubtedly be pushed forward at retail with greater verve.

There's no doubt, however, that a full on buyout of Motorola does shake the foundations of the Android platform – built on its open approach – putting the actions of the platform's other major powers, Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson and LG in the spotlight.

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.