Microsoft Bringing Windows 8 to Phones?

Move over Windows Phone 7.

Just a couple of months back, Microsoft released Windows Phone 7.5, also known as Mango. However, it seems Windows Phone 7 may not be the whole story when it comes to Microsoft's cell phone strategy. According to statements made by Microsoft co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer, the company may bring Windows 8 to cell phones.

"We've got broad initiatives driving Windows down to the phone with Windows 8," Business Insider cites Steve Ballmer as saying at a recent shareholder meeting.

However, Microsoft has since released an official transcript that claims Ballmer's words have been somewhat skewed by the media. Redmond says Ballmer never said Windows 8 was coming to the phone, just that the company was driving Windows down to the phone.

"We've got broad Windows initiatives driving Windows down to the phone," the transcript reads. "With Windows 8, you'll see incredible new form factors powered by Windows from tablets, small, large, pens, smaller, bigger, room-sized displays."

From what we've seen so far, Windows 8 certainly has a very Windows Phone feel to it, especially when you look at the Metro UI next to Windows Phone 7's live tiles interface. To that end, it would make sense and Ballmer's comments aren't very surprising. And, even going by Redmond's official transcript, Microsoft clearly plans to put Windows 8 on a whole host of new form-factors, so phones shouldn't be completely out of the question. Have a listen to the audio for yourself and let us know what you think Ballmer meant: