Microsoft Said to Ask HTC for Windows on Android Phones (as a secondary OS)

Desmond

Desmond

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Looks like M$ is getting really desperate.

Microsoft Corp. is talking to HTC Corp. (2498) about adding its Windows operating system to HTC’s Android-based smartphones at little or no cost, people with knowledge of the matter said, evidence of the software maker’s struggle to gain ground in the mobile market.

Terry Myerson, head of Microsoft’s operating systems unit, asked HTC last month to load Windows Phone as a second option on handsets with Google Inc. (GOOG)’s rival software, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. Myerson discussed cutting or eliminating the license fee to make the idea more attractive, the people said. The talks are preliminary and no decision has been made, two people said.

Its willingness to add Windows as a second operating system underscores the lengths to which Microsoft will go to get manufacturers to carry its software. HTC, the first company to make both Windows and Android phones, hasn’t unveiled a new Windows-based handset since June and has no current plans to release any more, said one person. Microsoft, with 3.7 percent of the market, is finding it necessary to make concessions after agreeing to acquire Nokia Oyj (NOK1V)’s handset unit, which competes with other smartphone makers.
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The technical details have yet to be ironed out. It wasn’t clear whether an HTC phone would run Windows and Android at the same time, or let users choose a default.

Tony Imperati, a spokesman for Microsoft, declined to comment. HTC didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Microsoft’s $7.2 billion takeover of Nokia’s handset business is part of an effort to ensure the availability of phones with its software and help boost demand for the devices.

Microsoft charges handset makers a license fee for every Windows Phone sold, and also has agreements in place to collect royalties for devices that use Android as part of patent settlements. By contrast, makers of Android devices don’t pay Google, and instead agree to preinstall the Mountain View, California-based company’s services such as search and maps on Android-based phones.
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Windows held a 3.7 percent share of the smartphone operating system market in the second quarter, according to research-firm IDC. Android dominated with 79 percent, while Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s iOS was No. 2 with a 13 percent share.
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Source : Microsoft Said to Ask HTC for Windows on Android Phones - Bloomberg
 
Flash

Flash

Lost in speed
Dual boot. That's a nice tactic. I would love to see that.
Samsung is the leading manufacturer on Android mobiles, why ask HTC?
 
Inceptionist

Inceptionist

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Gearbox said:
Dual boot. That's a nice tactic. I would love to see that.
Samsung is the leading manufacturer on Android mobiles, why ask HTC?
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HTC already makes both droids and Win8 phones. So it makes sense (hehe) to ask HTC instead of striking a new deal with Samsung.
 
Flash

Flash

Lost in speed
Microsoft reportedly begs HTC to load Windows Phone on its Android smartphones- The Inquirer
Microsoft Said to Ask HTC for Windows on Android Phones - Bloomberg
Microsoft, HTC in talks about Windows Phone option on Android devices | Android and Me

Medias, these days!! :lol:
 
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Desmond

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quagmire said:
Why HTC.. Microsoft can simply ask Nokia to make phones that dual boot WP and Android :lol:
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Nokia has a pretty small market presence. Also, supporting Android when they already have Windows phone wouldn't paint a good picture.
 
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Desmond

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The way I see it, HTC is already steadily losing market share and M$ is trying to join forces with them to take on Samsung.
 
quagmire

quagmire

Allllright !
RohanM said:
they already purchased Nokia...
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Rishi. said:
They no longer need to ask them.
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Thats what I was trying to imply.. duh!?

DeSmOnD dAvId said:
Nokia has a pretty small market presence. Also, supporting Android when they already have Windows phone wouldn't paint a good picture.
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Buddy I was just j/k. Nokia did'nt shift to Android when they had a choice, why will they now?


DeSmOnD dAvId said:
The way I see it, HTC is already steadily losing market share and M$ is trying to join forces with them to take on Samsung.
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There were reports of MS choosing Foxconn to manufacture "Microsoft’s Surface phone". No wonder that phone never saw light of day..
 
Vyom

Vyom

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A bit of offtopic, Speaking of Foxconn, I think *they* can certainly manufacture a dual boot Android with Windows phone, since they even made a "Magazine phone".
Source: There Really Is a Smartphone Inside 'EW Magazine' [VIDEO] :D

On a serious note: It looks as if, Microsoft is feeling the pressure of an Open Source ecosystem and is ready to make smartphone market interesting again.
But I am afraid, this may have been too late now.
 
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Desmond

Desmond

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DeSmOnD dAvId said:
Nokia has a pretty small market presence. Also, supporting Android when they already have Windows phone wouldn't paint a good picture.
Click to expand...

My point was that even if they did, they could not.

I think MS should stop pursuing Windows Phone altogether and try to bring its services to Android and iOS.
 
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