Rumors have been floating around this week that Microsoft would be offering cheaper Windows Phone 7 devices primarily targeted at developing nations. Microsoft has stepped up though and said that this is not correct. There is one spec for WinPho 7 right now and that isn’t changing anytime soon. I think that is a good thing.
The original source for this story appears to have come from Sudeep Bharati, Director of Developer Tools for Microsoft India’s Visual Studio Team. According to The Economic Times Mr. Bharati said “The low-cost version of the phone will have a different chassis than version 1 to be launched by 2010 end.” This lower end device would have a smaller screen which is one of the more expensive items in the parts that make up the phone. Things like lower RAM or lower resolution camera may be part of the cost cutting.
However, The Register got in touch with Microsoft about this entry level device and they flat out denied it.
Microsoft is working with OEM and MO partners to provide customers and developers with a consistent hardware experience across all devices. As part of this, there is a single Windows Phone 7 hardware specification that includes guidelines around screen options, storage, camera functionality, and processing.
Right now, Microsoft has to build a world class phone, market the heck out of it and get developers on board in a big way to have any chance of competing with the iPhone or Android platform. To do this they need to focus on a single product to make everyone’s life easier. This will allow developers to target one device basically, regardless of who makes it, and know that their app will work without having to worry about the screen size or amount of onboard RAM. From the consumer standpoint, they will know there is a base set of specifications and a certain performance level they can expect when they buy the device.
Microsoft still has to worry about developing countries that might not be able to handle WinPho 7’s pricing, but maybe that is where either the Kin comes into play or Windows Mobile 6.5. That platform will be around for a while yet meeting specific needs like ruggedized devices for industry and low cost options for OEM’s that want to build a low end smartphone.
Resource:
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2010/04/cheaper_windows.html
