No “Project Pink” phones in February says some-one with an actual shred of credibility

Not that we think 9to5mac are a bunch of lying scumbags or anything, but they are not exactly the most trusted source for Windows Mobile 7 news.  For that we actually turn of Mary Jo Foley from the All about Microsoft ZDNET blog, who has been keeping a finger on the pulse of the development of the project.

According to her, there will in in fact be no Microsoft branded smartphones delivered in early 2010, especially around CES, and of course Microsoft will not be manufacturing the phones themselves.  Rather the existing model of OEM’s doing the actual hardware development will continue.

Secondly, as a good jab against the Apple FUDers, MJ is also starting a new rumour, about a new Tablet initiative by Microsoft led by Chief Experience Officer J Allard of Xbox 360 fame known as “Alchemy Ventures”.  Regular readers will know Alchemy is Microsoft’s name for their Silverlight technology which separates the User Interface from the underlying application logic, allowing for some pretty nice and easily developed graphical interfaces.

What is clear since Windows 7 and the ZuneHD has seen the light is an increasing focus by Microsoft on their user interfaces and user experience, which has already translated into stunning products.  I expect the new wave of devices, when they eventually arrive, will likely carry on this new tradition as well, and give Cupertino a real run for their money.

Thanks wreiad for the tip.