In the battle of the most popular mobile operating systems, Windows Phone appears to have cemented its third position. As it looks to challenge iOS and Android in the future, Microsoft needs more hardware partners who develop WP devices. When it announced its acquisition of Nokia’s hardware and devices division, many feared that the deal wouldn’t go down well with its OEMs. However there still exists interest, as China’s ZTE has committed to developing WP devices in 2014. India’s XOLO has confirmed its commitment as well, promising Windows Phone devices next year that will cost between $150-$300, the ideal price points for its local market.
XOLO already develops and sells affordably priced Android devices in India. The company’s co-founder tells The Economic Times of India that pricing of its upcoming Windows Phone devices won’t be much different from its Android lineup. XOLO will become the first local manufacturer in India to develop a Windows Phone smartphone, it aims to release the first device early next quarter. The co-founder agrees that there is an ecosystem cost that they’ll have to pay to jump on the Windows Phone bandwagon. However manufacturers like XOLO might be in luck. Microsoft is reportedly considering waiving Windows Phone licensing fees for OEMs, which will no doubt be an added incentive for such manufacturers to produce more and more WP devices.
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