Report: Microsoft Testing Own Smartphone Design

A report in The Wall Street Journal cites component suppliers in the Far East as saying that Microsoft is testing a smart phone design of its own.

The report resembles those of the rumor mill that was so accurate before the official release of Apple's iPad Mini and iPhone 5.

The Journal cites one source saying that the screen on the device "...measures between four and five inches" diagonally. The iPhone 5 screen measures four inches.

Until recently, Microsoft produced no hardware for computers, but worked with OEMs who create the computers on which Microsoft Windows runs. Starting with Windows 8 Microsoft still does that, but also makes products under its own brand. The report indicates it is considering the same dual approach for Windows Phone. One surprising difference is that Microsoft has made a substantial investment with Nokia, and would be competing with it.

Microsoft declined to comment.