Microsoft Planning to Make Windows Phone and Windows RT Free

According to The Verge, Microsoft is considering making their Windows Phone and Windows RT platforms available for free to device makers. As matters stand at present, both the products need to be licensed by manufacturers if they are to be used.

While the decision to make Windows Phone and Windows RT available for free has not yet been confirmed, it is expected that clarification on the matter can be expected when Microsoft rolls out their "Threshold" update, which is looking to bring back the start menu.

The Microsoft Windows Phone platform has been growing its user base in recent times as evidenced by the fact that big name applications, such as Flipboard and Instagram, have decided to introduce Windows Phone versions of their services.

Going free for device makers should make Windows Phone and Windows RT more competitive when compared with Android which has been available free of charge. It may also tempt more manufacturers to try their hand at delivering a Windows Phone device to the consumer. At present approximately 80 percent of all Windows Phone products are made by Nokia.

But the move to not license Windows RT and Windows Phone will affect Microsoft's bottom line, as licensing fees are a major revenue stream for them. Microsoft will definitely need to find a way to monetize their apps and services better in order to make up the possible shortfall.

Source: The Verge

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