Spanish mobile network Telefónica announced that it will help Microsoft push Windows Phone devices to more users in an effort to end the “current duopoly of Android and iOS.”
Microsoft and the carrier have signed a one year “enhanced marketing agreement” under which Telefónica will boost advertising of Windows Phone 8 devices in several markets it operates, including the UK, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Brazil and Chile. In addition, the mobile giant will also “provide customers with a more personal smartphone experience like Windows Phone offers” to make the market more competitive.
As part of these plans, Telefónica will work with vendors to ensure users have a ton of options to choose from, offering phones from Nokia, HTC and Samsung.
Aside from Windows Phone, Telefónica is also backing Mozilla’s Firefox OS with the idea to bring smartphones running this (nascent) platforms to emerging markets. We’ll see whether and how they can help both Microsoft and Mozilla expand their reach in the mobile market…
[Via: TheVerge]