Microsoft launches Messenger-themed mobile

For the French youth

19 March 2010 16:59 GMT / By Ben Crompton

We're slightly curious as to Microsoft's thinking behind this latest branded phone, the Messenger Edition 251, as you'd have thought it would have its hands full at the moment as it counts down to the launch of Windows Phone 7 Series in around 9 months time.

The handset, which will be launched in partnership with French phone operator SFR, looks to be aimed at the youth market rather than the business user, perhaps mirroring the computer giant's rumoured Project Pink.

From the screen it seems to be running a slightly jaded OS - so perhaps as promised Microsoft is still determined to flog the Windows 6.5 horse, whilst the design complete with full QWERTY and dedicated Messenger button doesn't exactly scream "buy me".

We'll be sure to keep you posted on any future phone launches from the the company, let's just hope that they get a bit more exciting from here on in.