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Microsoft makes Windows Phone free for some smartphone makers

Published Mar 13th, 2014 8:10AM EDT
Windows Phone License Fees

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Microsoft is tired of seeing its global mobile market share sit in the low single digits each quarter, and it looks like the software giant is finally ready to take some more drastic measures in order to help Windows Phone proliferate. According to a report from The Times of India, Microsoft is following Google’s lead and making its mobile software free for at least two smartphone makers, Lava and Karbonn.

The move follows rumors from a number of sources claiming that Microsoft was toying with the idea of reducing or even completely doing away with the per-device license fees it typically charges vendors who build and sell Windows Phone devices.

Microsoft charges a similar fee to its Windows partners, though it is also rumored to be considering some changes to that model as well.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.