Microsoft Back In the Business of Killing iPhone?

We all remember a few years ago there were all kinds of rumors about Microsoft working on an iPhone killer. Let’s not forget that Microsoft did try to kill the iPod by introducing Zune 1.0 way ahead of time. Of course, that launch was a disaster, and Microsoft Zune never bounced back from it. Afterward, Microsoft officials denied having any plans to make an iPhone killer and talked about how the iPhone was overrated. But you could just tell Microsoft wouldn’t sit around and watch Apple dominate the mobile industry. So it’s no surprise that the company is back in the business of killing Apple products.

According to various sources, Microsoft is working on a multimedia device (codename Pink) that will finally put iPhone in its place or so Microsoft officials believe. Motorola is one of the main contenders to make the Microsoft Pink. Samsung and HTC are also competing for this project. To make matters worse, Verizon is throwing its hat into the ring to back a device it believes could challenge the iPhone. At this point, it is not known whether the “advanced talks” between Verizon and Apple officials have collapsed, but Verizon is still desperate to have an “iPhone-like” device.

I would love to see a phone that can put up a decent challenge against the iPhone. But as with other Microsoft products, Microsoft Pink will probably fall short in its mission to become the next iPhone killer. The iPhone is not built on only one pillar of strength. It is going to take something special from Microsoft to overcome the iPhone’s numerous layers of strength. Something tells me the Pink will not be that special.

Your take: can Microsoft finally put an end to the iPhone era? Will Microsoft Pink at least grab the No. 2 position behind  iPhone?