Microsoft plans to launch a Chinese-edition of Windows Phone 7 (WP7) in the second half of 2011 and is currently soliciting China-based mobile device makers including Lenovo, Huawei Technologies and ZTE to jointly develop WP7-based smartphones targeting the China market, according to industry sources.

Microsoft is expected to unveil the second batch of WP7 smartphones at the upcoming MWC 2011 trade fair with the showcase including Asustek Computer's first WP7 model, the E600, the sources noted.

Although HTC, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics (LGE) and Dell have all launched WP7-based smartphones, Microsoft still hopes to ignite a wave of demand for Windows Phone-based smartphones with the introduction of the Chinese-version WP7, the sources stated.

However, it remains to be seen if China-based mobile device makers will shift their focus to develop WP7 smartphones as most of them have put effort into Android-based models recently.