Microsoft is using Mobile World Congress to spill the beans on its Windows Phone plans.
Set to be unveiled at some point this spring, Windows Phone 8.1 will support different hardware configurations to make it easier for Android handset makers to join the “Windows Phone ride.” Among the chips that will be supported with the next version of Microsoft’s mobile platform are Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 200 and 400, allowing OEMs to make more affordable Windows Phones for emerging markets. Minimum hardware configuration includes 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage.
Another sweet thing that will be included in Windows Phone 8.1 is dual-SIM capability so that we can use a single device on two networks at once. Microsoft promises “total user control” with the ability to access the dialers for two SIMs via two separate phone tile icons. In addition, dual/split messaging is also possible though you can tweak the setting to get a unified inbox (instead of two separate ones). This sort of thing is especially appreciated in fast-growing economies like India and China, where many folks rely on more than one carrier for their communication needs.
Plus, we have new companies “on the block,” including Lenovo, LG, ZTE, Xolo, Karbonn, Gionee, JSR, Longcheer and Foxconn. These 9 join the current roster that includes the likes of Nokia, Samsung and Huawei.
Last but not the least, support for on-screen buttons is now pretty much confirmed for Windows Phone 8.1. Additional details will be unveiled at Microsoft’s BUILD conference in April. 😉