Microsoft may be rethinking its strategy for Windows Phone, its struggling smartphone platform. Though the OS has seen growth over the last two years, it is a distant third to Google's Android and Apple's iOS. That may change, however, if Microsoft waives the licensing fees it normally charges handset makers.
The Times of India reports Microsoft has done just that for Indian phone makers Lava and Karbonn. Both companies already make Android smartphones, and Google allows handset makers to use Android for free. According to the Times' sources, Microsoft has been negotiating with Lava and Karbonn since last year and clinched the deal only when it agreed to waive the usual licensing fee for the OS.
To put that into perspective, Microsoft didn't waive the licensing fee for Nokia (which Microsoft is now in the process of purchasing). Nokia said in 2011 it would drop Symbian and make Windows Phones exclusively. Reports suggest that Nokia pays between $20 and $30 per device to license Windows Phone -- a huge expense to add to the bottom line for each phone. Lava and Karbonn just scored a major victory...
The Times of India reports Microsoft has done just that for Indian phone makers Lava and Karbonn. Both companies already make Android smartphones, and Google allows handset makers to use Android for free. According to the Times' sources, Microsoft has been negotiating with Lava and Karbonn since last year and clinched the deal only when it agreed to waive the usual licensing fee for the OS.
To put that into perspective, Microsoft didn't waive the licensing fee for Nokia (which Microsoft is now in the process of purchasing). Nokia said in 2011 it would drop Symbian and make Windows Phones exclusively. Reports suggest that Nokia pays between $20 and $30 per device to license Windows Phone -- a huge expense to add to the bottom line for each phone. Lava and Karbonn just scored a major victory...
Source: Tech Guide 2014
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