Microsoft’s decision to make Windows Phone free for use has
lowered barriers to entry especially for manufacturers. This has allowed phone
makers to easily install Windows Phone to the devices they produce in a similar
fashion that made Android a success.
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| Photo credit: Hardwarezone Singapore |
This week, the Redmond company added two new members to its
growing list of hardware partners for Windows Phone 8.1. The first would be the
Florida-based manufacturer Blu, which has made a name for itself with capable
Android phones with affordable prices. Then there’s the Chinese brand K-touch, which
is one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in China.
The two brands will join other makers including LG, Foxconn,
Gionee, Karbonn, Lenovo, ZTE, Xolo, Prestigio, Micromax, Huawei, Longcheer, JSR and of
course the big three of Windows Phone – HTC, Samsung and Nokia.
By the end of 2013, over 90% of Windows Phone’s market share
was commanded Nokia. With the expanded list of OEM partners, consumers should
help give consumers more options when choosing a Windows Phone device in the
very near future.
