The update to Windows Phone will be released later this year, with the singular focus of competing with Android at the more affordable price points.
Microsoft has given a few more details about the update that Windows Phones will be receiving later this year, and it is clear that the Redmond giant now wants to target the affordable price points and take on Android. While Microsoft has not said anything about the name for the update, keeping the recent trend in mind, we believe it will be Windows Phone 8.1, and is supposed to release sometime in spring.
The biggest change is in the philosophy, with Microsoft now apparently allowing smartphone makers to move away from rigid design and hardware requirements. First up, Windows Phone 8.1 will allow the use of lower end Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. This will be a critical aspect, for smartphone makers to consider making phones to take on the lower end and mid-range Android smartphones.
Until now, Microsoft had demanded that all phones have three standard keys on the front, plus a camera shutter button too, on the side. However, Microsoft is now letting smartphone makers do away with these physical keys, if they wish to. Information streaming out also suggests that Microsoft may allow smartphone makers to reuse the Android smartphone designs, but like we said, there is no confirmation on that.
Windows Phone 8.1 will also bring in the compatibility for dual-SIM hardware, which will give smartphone makers additional leverage on the spec sheet of the affordable Windows phones.
Lenovo and Foxconn will be making Windows Phone devices, and LG will return to the fold as well.
Windows Phone 8.1 update will technically be compatible with existing Windows Phone 8 devices, but we still do not have clarity on the status of particular devices.
