The internet is currently ablaze with rumours that Microsoft will finally be unveiling its "Project Pink" mobile smartphone next week.
The Wall Street Journal reported today that Microsoft's new smartphone would be aimed at young consumers and be available in the US on Verizon Wireless.
Sharp is stated to be manufacturing the phone to Microsoft's strict criteria but Redmond is apparently developing all of the online services for Pink in a bid to tighten the reigns of its mobile strategy.
Several online US publications have stated that they've received an enigmatic invite from Microsoft with the words "It's Time to Share" emblazoned across the front. The date of the invite is 12 April but Microsoft hasn't issued any further information on the matter.
Other commentators suggest the time could be ripe for Microsoft to launch its Courier e-tablet leaked at the start of the year. This would at least put Microsoft on a level playing field with the big hitters in consumer tablets like Apple and HP. However, Microsoft has left its once healthy mobile infrastructure sitting fallow for the past year.
The Pink phone was said to be circulating to a select few under NDA. It was rumoured to be released after Microsoft's critically acclaimed Windows Phone 7 Series launch in February at the Mobile World Congress.
It would make sense for Microsoft to announce Pink on April 12. Microsoft has seen its market share plummet after being squeezed by Apple's iPhone and the increasing full-fat roll out of Google's Android platform to name but two.
