theregoesdave

Microsoft got into the handset market last year with the acquisition of Sidekick-maker Danger and its 2010 roadmap is starting to shape up. The most notable models being the vertical slider pictured above and called the Turtle and the next iteration of Sidekick’s popular device.

Windows Mobile 7 isn’t slated for release until late next year, but there’s no telling when these could hit the market. The vertical slider is an interesting form factor that I’ve yet to see done justice by any handset maker.

What’s most important is that Windows Mobile 7 show the same promise as its desktop-based cousin Windows 7. A simplified interface and touch-screen capability will be key for competing against Apple and Google Android in the smartphone market.

The Sidekick has a unique form factor that has yet to be duplicated by other major players in the mobile market. Danger captured a loyal following by creating phones that were amazingly capable messaging devices, but it’s up to Microsoft to capitalize on that vision.

The question is whether the next Sidekick will fly or flop in a WinMo kind of world.

• Microsoft goes schizo, starts blaming Danger for lost data
• Microsoft fumbles, T-Mobile recovers in Sidekick data debacle
• Leaked pictures of the Microsoft Pink project’s Turtle and Pure
• Microsoft is forking Windows Mobile
• Dell Mini 3i an iPhone clone that runs Android