Key Windows Phone Leader Goes To Amazon (MSFT, AMZN)

Brandon Watson, who was in charge of getting developers to build apps for Windows Phone, is quitting Microsoft to work on Kindle apps at Amazon.Mary Jo Foley at ZDNet first reported the news, and confirmed with Watson.Watson was originally recruited to the role by Charlie Kindel, who once held a similar role on the Windows Phone team.Kindel left Microsoft earlier this year to found a mystery startup.Earlier this week, it leaked that the next version of Windows Phone would be based on a lot of the same technology as Windows 8. That's a big switch from the current state, where Windows Phone uses different underlying technology, and may indicate that the Windows team is taking more control over Microsoft's phone platform.Last month, Microsoft replaced the head of its mobile division, Andy Lees, with one of his lieutenants, Terry Myerson. Lees is still with the company, but in a mysterious new role.Don't miss: Why Everybody In Seattle Suddenly Wants To Work For AmazonPlease follow SAI on Twitter and Facebook.Join the conversation about this story »See Also:It's True: Windows 8 Will Be At The Heart Of Next Windows PhoneFor The First Time Ever, Smartphones Outsold PCs Last QuarterAmazon Blows Q4, Stock Plunges 9% After Hours

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