Microsoft Leaked Roadmap: Windows Phone Tango, Apollo and Superphones Battle in 2012

A three way superphones battle is expected next year with the likely launch of Apple's iPhone 5 and advanced Android handsets from Samsung and HTC.

The ensuing smartphone wars would take the centre stage as the corporate giants battle it out for market supremacy.

These smartphones are expected to feature high-definition displays and super powerful multi-core processors based on ARM's upcoming A15 architecture. The Internet connectivity will also get a boost with next generation mobile broadband technology.

Further, the leaked roadmap indicates that the release of superphones may coincide with the introduction of Apollo (Microsoft's upcoming version of mobile operating system) in the last quarter of 2012. Following the raving success story of Windows Phone Mango, the stage is well set for the next update - Tango - and later Apollo. However, Microsoft faces an uphill task for being the late entrant to join the smartphone wars.

Recent market survey statistics from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech reaffirm Microsoft's precarious position with a meagre 1.3 percent share in the smartphone territory. Meanwhile, Nokia plans to consolidate its market growth once Apollo is released.

The latest developments in the Microsoft camp indicate that the release of Apollo platform will inspire the production of massive number of Windows Phone handsets to meet the market demands. The existing weak links in the market, including RIM and its Blackberry product range, might further aid Microsoft to consolidate its position in the market by late 2012.

Tango, proposed for second quarter of 2012, is focused at the budget segment. Microsoft expects to capture the Windows Phone down market by catering to this section, as the high-end market is still beyond its reach. Maybe, the advent of Apollo could shift the fortune tide in its favor.