Microsoft might have thought that its partnership with Nokia would help it gain a significant foothold in the smartphone market that is dominated by iOS and Android, but Verizon Communications Chief Technology Officer Tony Melone thinks differently. According to him, he’d love to see a third player in the mobile operating system market, but Microsoft’s Windows Phone may not be it. More operating system competiton allows carriers more flexibility and balances the interests of all the parties, but he claimed that he still has doubts whether Microsoft will gain enough traction with Windows Phone 7. He also claims that the carrier has very strong relationships with LG, Samsung, Motorola, HTC, and Apple, so it would take a really compelling device from Nokia in order to break into the top. Of course, we hope that it all works out fine for Nokia, but only time will tell.
