Microsoft to release smartphones next week

Software giant Microsoft will reportedly release two new smartphones next week designed to integrate closely with social media.

The Wall Street Journal has reported the phones, which have gone under the codename “pink”, will be formally launched at a press conference on Monday.

Tech blog Gizmodo has reported that the devices will run using the Windows CE OS, while photos indicate the gadgets will use QWERTY-style sliding keyboards.

The move is an attempt to break ground into a market dominated by Apple and Research In Motion. So far Microsoft has not been able to gain much market share with its Windows Mobile platforms, and is suspected to be pushing the two new gadgets in order to take more of the industry.