Windows Phone handsets and Windows tablets will cost a lot less this year compared to previous year, Microsoft has confirmed at Computex – Asia’s largest computing show.
Speaking at the event Nick Parker, Vice President of OEM partners, said that the company is working with partners to reach price points that are highly competitive.
“We’ll reach price points that are very industry competitive for 7, 8, 10-inch devices. They will really surprise you. Last year, we were in the 3s, 4s, 500 dollars. This year, we’ll be 1s, 2s, 3s.”
Parker further revealed that Windows Phone handsets in some regions may even carry a sub-$200 price tag.
With stiff competition in the 7- and 8-inch tablet segment, Windows tablets are lagging behind because of higher outlay compared to Android tablets. Amazon is also giving a tough competition through its Kindle Fire range of tablets. Reduction in pricing seems to be the only option for Microsoft to garner more sales and increase its market share.
Same is the case with Windows Phone as the platform only powers about 3 percent of total smartphones out there – a figure that is dwarf as compared to Android’s 78 percent and iOS’ 17.6 percent.