New rugged handset can run both Windows Phone and Android

Bluebird, a Korean handheld mobile device provider, has just announced a new five-inch device, which it is calling BM180, which is capable of running both Windows Embedded 8 Handheld, which is based on the Windows Phone 8 core, or Android 4.2.

Bluebird calls the BM180 the "world(‘s) first & biggest screen smart terminal" which can run either Android 4.2 or the preview version of Windows Embedded 8 Handheld in "one form factor."

The Windows Embedded 8 Handheld operating system is built on the Windows Phone 8 core can run off-the-shelf Windows Phone business and productivity apps like Microsoft Lync, Office 365 and Dynamics for Retail, and also other Windows Phone apps.

Bluebird’s press release says the new ruggedized handhelds are targeted at enterprise customers and that some unnamed "major" U.S. retailers are in line to buy these devices.

When Windows Phone moves to virtual navigation keys it is likely we will be seeing more of their handsets where the only difference between the Android and Windows Phone version of a handset is the OS currently running, not just in the enterprise but also in the consumer market.

Via ZDNet.com