Microsoft in 2010: Make or break year for mobile

2009 was a stumbling block for Microsoft in the mobile phone market. The continued growth of the iPhone and the introduction of Google's Android platform (and upcoming Nexus One device) stole significant market share away from Microsoft's Windows Mobile system. Microsoft so far has failed to respond to these smartphone threats and some industry analysts have gone so far as to call for Microsoft to exit the consumer phone game.

For 2010 it looks like tablet PCs will join smartphones as the next hot mobile battleground. This year's Consumer Electronics Show will showcase a lot of the new products set to be released in this latest category. Apple is scheduled to release an 'iSlate' tablet by the end of the month, and Google is rumored to be working with HTC to create a Google tablet running the Android platform. Microsoft also has its own dual-screen tablet in the works called Courier. There aren't too many specs out yet for the Courier device, so a lot remains unknown. Will Microsoft be able to keep up with Apple and Google in this new tablet market?

On the Zune HD front Microsoft looks like it's pushing to get Xbox Live games on Windows Mobile platforms, which will be a good step towards making WinMo phones relevant again. There's also speculation that Microsoft may announce some big Windows Mobile news soon during upcoming conferences. Maybe we'll see details on a full fledged Windows/Zune Phone? The Windows Mobile 7 OS was delayed until the second half of 2010, so Microsoft really needs something big here if it hopes to shake up the order of the current market leaders.

There's a lot at stake with mobile platforms like the smartphone and tablet as we move towards consuming more and more data on the go. 2010 will be an exciting year for innovative mobile products, and I expect to see great things from Apple, Google, Microsoft and others.