Though most of Microsoft's focus at its annual Build developers conference in San Francisco has been on Windows 8, the firm is also feeling pretty bullish about its hand in the smartphone market.

In fact, Windows Phone product manager Larry Lieberman has gone as far as to declare Microsoft's OS has now secured third spot in the smartphone race, with BlackBerry now little more than a sideshow.

"We think we're solidly the third ecosystem right now," said Lieberman. "That's a huge announcement in some respects."

The numbers game

Indeed, Lieberman's claims are not without basis.

Though Android and iOS remain streets ahead of the rest of the pack, the latest figures – from the US at least – suggest Windows Phone has overtaken BlackBerry in terms of sales, though BB10's late launch mean it's yet to make a major impact on most statistics.


Windows Phone flagship the Nokia Lumia 925

Regardless, Lieberman claims the Redmond giant has little to fear from BlackBerry now.

"I don't think they can bring to the table some of the things we have," he commented.

"The fact like we're delivering across such a different set of price points to such a large audience."

Might Lieberman have spoken too soon, however? BlackBerry 10's roll out continues unabated as things stand, with the Canadian firm having recently launched the keyboard-equipped Q10 and lifted the lid on the smaller, cheaper Q5 back in May.

[source: The Verge]