Sorry, Ballmer Did Not Confirm Windows 8 on Phone

Since I've had sources tell me that Microsoft is going to use Windows 8 as the basis for the next major version of Windows Phone, I've been waiting for some official confirmation. And that confirmation seemed to come today, in a report from Business Insider. Sadly, it's untrue.

Business Insider quoted Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer as saying, "We are driving Windows down to the phone with Windows 8." Seems clear-cut enough. I tweeted it quickly and started digging deeper.

That's when Tom Warren contacted me. Seems Business Insider misquoted Ballmer. And he has an audio clip that proves it. Here's what Ballmer really said, with a bit of highlighting so you can see how its was misinterpreted:

"We've got broad Windows initiatives, driving Windows down to the phone. With Windows 8, you'll see incredible new form factors, powered by Windows, from tablets--small, large, pens--smaller, bigger, room-sized displays. We are in an era in which the range of smart devices is just continuing to expand."

So it is clear-cut. Just not in the way I originally hoped. Ah well.