video transcript
Rough Cut (no reporter narration).
Days after launching Windows 8, Microsoft is mounting a strong campaign to win over the software developers it needs to kick-start its new operating system.
A lack of apps is Microsoft's Achilles heel as it attempts to catch Apple and Google in the rush toward mobile computing.
(SOUNDBITE)(English) MICROSOFT CORP CHIEF EXECUTIVE STEVE BALLMER SAYING:
"With the work we have done with Nokia, HTC, Samsung and others, I think really there is now an opportunity to create really a strong third participant in the smartphone market."
"There is a lot of work to do, the is a lot of work to do to get applications built and that means a lot of opportunity for people in the room today, there is a lot of work to do to really get a full set of devices in the market and get those to be broadly available, but the foundation is certainly there."
"We're still relatively small, but I would tell you that the level of innovation and the quality of the new Windows phones that you will find on the market is absolutely unbelievable and I expect the volumes on Windows Phone to really ramp quickly."
Nov.05 - Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer says sales of the new Windows-based phones will expand rapidly, creating a strong third player in the smartphone market. Rough Cut (no reporter narration). ( Transcript )