Microsoft has revealed that it has signed up an additional 9 new hardware partners for its Windows Phone.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the opening of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Microsoft executives announced that the company is ready to work with anyone who wants to build a Windows Phone. Microsoft announced that it has signed up 9 new hardware partners including LG, Foxconn, Lenovo, Gionee, Lava, Longcheer, JSR, Karbonn and ZTE.
Microsoft also announced changes to the Windows Phone platform including support for new hardware, Windows Phone enterprise pack, cellular support, dual-SIM, soft keys, Facebook Messenger, and a new hardware partner portal.
Redmond is going to drop the three physical button requirements, allow for Windows Phone to run off an SD (Secure Digital) card thereby reducing the internal storage requirements, and also support Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 SoC to target entry level low-cost phones.
Dual-SIM is also on the agenda indicating that Microsoft wants more and more customers from emerging markets like India where phones with support for two SIMs sell like hot cakes and is currently dominated by local vendors.
Microsoft has also announced that Windows Phone will also support almost all cellular technologies including LTE (TDD/FDD), HSPA+, EVDO and TD-SCMA.
