Slow and steady, Mr Turtle

Microsoft Corp, the world’s largest software company, have been aiming at tapping the segment of hyperactive teenagers who want multiple instant messaging accounts,...

Microsoft Corp, the world's largest software company, have been aiming at tapping the segment of hyperactive teenagers who want multiple instant messaging accounts, e-mail, games, music and Facebook in a cool-looking package with their 'Project Pink' handsets for nearly a year now. Looks like the wait is finally over.

According to Mashable and Gizmodo — renowned technology portals — Microsoft was all set to launch two handsets, Turtle and Pure in San Francisco late last evening (India time). The phones were expected to have a slide out design but not to be powered by Microsoft's upcoming Windows Phone 7 software. Reuters reported that the handsets are expected to be priced lower than the iPhone or Google Inc's Nexus One.

The handsets, made by Japan's Sharp and sold by Verizon Wireless, are meant for the young American urban crowd that has more in common with Microsoft's Xbox gaming audience than its mainstream business-oriented software users.