14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is firing thousands from the phone division in order to rethink its mobile strategy and cut costs following the takeover of Nokia’s Devices and Services unit, and now we have more information on this new approach that the company might be willing to go for.
We already knew that Microsoft was planning to focus on three different phone categories, namely value phones, business devices, and flagships, but a new report by Digitimes says that this strategy is actually a little bit more complex and involves partners more.
Microsoft is actually thinking of investing more in business devices and high-end phones, thus becoming the number one supporter of Windows 10 Mobile, building high-end and premium handsets that would serve as pioneers of the new smartphone operating system.
Partners will be encouraged to develop affordable devices that would help Windows 10 Mobile gain share and bring them in emerging markets, where Windows Phone is already selling well.
Surface-like strategy
With Windows 10 Mobile, Microsoft is planning to adopt a strategy that seems inspired by the Surface, as the company focused on building premium tablets running Windows 8.1, while partners could develop more affordable options for buyers worldwide.
The Surface Pro 3, for example, comes with very advanced hardware, including i7 processors, 8 GB of RAM, and up to 512 GB of storage space, while pricing for the top-of-the-range model goes all the way up to $1,950 in the United States.
On the other hand, there are several other Windows 8.1 tablets on the market that are developed by partners, and the very same strategy could be used by Microsoft for Windows 10 Mobile devices too.
Windows 10 Mobile is projected to launch later this year, most likely in September or October, so more information on this new strategy could be shared in the fall of 2015.