Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Phone Upgrade in late 2013?

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) – one of the top stock picks among the equity hedge funds we track – is having difficulty getting market share in the smartphone sector, despite pretty solid reviews of the new Windows Phone 8 operating system. In the most recent information about the market from the end of 2012, Windows Phone only takes up about 3 percent of the market, which is fourth among OS, behind Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS, which take up nearly 90 percent of the market.

While Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has been trying to show some patience in working with companies like Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) in developing a following over the Windows Phone OS, there has been some talk that Microsoft might be only so patient – and there could be an upgrade or overhaul with the OS as early as late this year. Much of this talk stems from a new job posting sent out by the company, which seeks a Software Development Engineer in Test. The posting says, “This is a great time to join as we’re completing our current release are getting ready for our next release targeting the holiday of this year and we’re chartered with keeping the momentum for Windows Phone by bringing new killer devices and delightful user experiences.”

Talk is that, unlike past new versions of Windows Phone, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), current Windows Phone users will be able to upgrade to any new upgrades. In the past, once Windows came out with a whole new OS, users had to get new phones. Microsoft marketing chief Greg Sullivan said, “Over the course of the next several months, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some exciting new devices and more interoperability before we start talking about what [operating system] is next.”

What do you think? Based on Microsoft’s history, do you see Microsoft Corporation 9NASDAQ:MSFT) coming out wiht a “Windows Phone 9” OS just a year after 8 comes out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

DISCLOSURE: I own no positions in any stock mentioned.

Please see these related MSFT articles:

Is Microsoft Trying to Blow It?

Diversification is Actually Trial and Error?

3 Things Microsoft Can Do Better