Microsoft currently charges smartphone and tablet makers for each Windows Phone smartphone and Windows RT tablet they release, and now it would appear that Microsoft is rethinking its mobile strategy.
Google’s Android OS is free to device makers, and Microsoft is apparently considering doing a similar thing with Windows Phone for smartphones and Windows RT for tablets.
According to a recent report by The Verge, Microsoft OS Terry Myerson is considering making both Windows RT and Windows Phone free to manufacturers.
Microsoft currently charges Windows Phone handset makers a fee for each device, although the majority of the devices that are sold at the moment are from Nokia, around 80 percent of Windows Phone sales are Nokia devices.
Impact of Nokia Acquisition
As Microsoft is taking over Nokia’s smartphone business, it will no longer get license fees from Nokia, and may remove these fees from other manufacturers in an attempt to get wider adoption of their mobile platform. This strategic move could be pivotal for Microsoft as it seeks to expand its footprint in the mobile market. By eliminating the licensing fees, Microsoft could potentially attract a broader range of manufacturers who were previously deterred by the additional costs. This could lead to a more diverse array of Windows Phone devices in the market, catering to different segments and price points.
Comparison with Android’s Success
By making Windows Phone a free platform, Microsoft could do a similar thing that Google did with Android, as it could encourage more manufacturers to produce Windows Phone smartphones. Google’s Android OS has seen massive success partly because it is free to use, which has led to a wide variety of devices from numerous manufacturers. This has allowed Android to dominate the global smartphone market. If Microsoft follows this model, it could potentially see a similar increase in the adoption of Windows Phone.
Additionally, a free Windows Phone OS could lead to more innovation in the hardware space. Manufacturers would have more resources to invest in developing unique features and designs, rather than paying licensing fees. This could result in a richer ecosystem of Windows Phone devices, offering consumers more choices and potentially driving up market share for Microsoft.
Moreover, the removal of licensing fees could also benefit smaller manufacturers who operate on thinner margins. These companies could find it more feasible to enter the Windows Phone market, further increasing the diversity and availability of devices.
Another aspect to consider is the potential for increased app development. A larger user base could attract more developers to the Windows Phone platform, leading to a more robust app ecosystem. This, in turn, could make Windows Phone more appealing to consumers who are looking for a wide variety of apps and services.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s consideration of making Windows Phone and Windows RT free to manufacturers could be a game-changing strategy. By removing licensing fees, Microsoft could attract more manufacturers, increase the diversity of devices, and potentially boost its market share. This move could also lead to more innovation in hardware and a richer app ecosystem, making Windows Phone a more competitive option in the mobile market.
Source The Verge
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