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Microsoft considering free versions of Windows Phone, Windows RT: Report

Microsoft considering free versions of Windows Phone, Windows RT: Report

By Ketan Pratap | Updated: 22 July 2014 14:12 IST

Microsoft, in an attempt to promote its mobile and tablet ecosystem, is considering offering free versions of Windows Phone and Windows RT to device makers, reveals a new report.

The Verge in a report has claimed that free future versions of Windows Phone and Windows RT for device makers are under serious consideration by Microsoft's executive vice president of operating systems, Terry Myerson.

The report cites some sources familiar with Microsoft's plans and claims that the free future versions of Windows Phone and Windows RT are just a part of Myerson's broad amendments planned for future of Windows.

Further, the report informs that Microsoft currently generates revenues from OEMs who build devices based on Windows 8 and Windows Phone platforms and if Microsoft offers free versions of Windows Phone and Windows RT to device makers, its decision would have to be backed by revenues from Microsoft's apps and services. The report speculates that Microsoft could generate additional revenue by pushing subscription service for features like SkyDrive, Office, and Skype.

The new move by Microsoft could change fortunes for the Redmond giant and in addition could help in improving developer interest in building apps for the Windows platforms.

The report also claims that OEMs have been shifting to Android as the OS of choice for their smartphones and tablet, while the only companies still sticking to Windows products are Microsoft and Nokia.

There's no doubt, when compared to Android, the Windows Phone platform has been struggling to keep its pace against Google's OS, and Nokia seems to be the only OEM supporting its cause.

The report also reveals that the free versions of Windows Phone and Windows RT are likely to be delivered with the 'Threshold' update which is expected in Spring 2015.

The Threshold updates are reportedly meant for Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox One platforms, and considered to be the first step in unifying the different device platforms with more common elements.

According to the report, the Threshold update would not be a single update but a 'wave of operating systems' across Windows Phone handsets, devices and gaming consoles.

In October, Microsoft posted a quarterly profit of $5.2 billion, citing progress in its transition to a "devices and services" company.

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Further reading: Android, Microsoft, Nokia Windows Phone, Windows 8, Windows RT, Threshold

Ketan Pratap

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Ketan Pratap is the editor at Gadgets 360 - with over 12 years of experience covering the technology domain. With a breadth and depth of knowledge in the field, he's done extensive work across news, features, reviews, and opinion pieces. But what's truly inspiring about Ketan is how he spends his free time. He's often found gazing at snow-capped mountains from over 20,000 feet while sitting on the hood of his car, taking in the breathtaking beauty of nature. His passion for the great ...More