Microsoft is gearing up to launch a range of devices with the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system in India. It will also issue the Windows Phone 8.1 update in the country soon.
While speaking at a special event in Mumbai, Vineet Durani, director – Windows Phone Business Group, Microsoft India, stated that the Window Phone 8.1 update will start rolling out from June onwards internationally for the select top of the line devices in India. He further revealed that Microsoft is also working closely with three Indian handset makers – Micromax, Lava and Karbonn – to introduce affordable Windows Phone 8.1 based devices sometime in early second half of this year.
At the Windows Phone 8.1 focused briefing, Durani hinted that the fresh batch of Windows Phone 8.1 based devices can be expected to be launched in coming two to three weeks. We expect Nokia to launch the much awaited smartphones – Lumia 630, Lumia 635 and Lumia 930. By default, these handsets will run Windows Phone 8.1 update pre-installed with India specific settings.
Following that, three handset partners – Micromax, Lava and Karbonn – are expected to show off their affordable Windows Phone devices. Durani also hinted that these devices will be priced above Rs 6,000 and come with Dual-SIM support.
Microsoft is currently working to bring Windows Phone 8.1 for the existing Windows Phone 8 devices in India. However, only select devices will get the Windows Phone 8.1 update first and the update process for rest of the devices will stretch till August-September period. We believe that the entry-level and mid-range Nokia device owners should expect the Windows Phone 8.1 update only after July.
Microsoft is also in talks with major telecom operators to enable operator billing for the mobile subscribers in order to boost sales and adoption of the Windows Phone devices. With operator billing, users will be able to buy games and apps from the Windows Phone Store using the mobile’s main balance or adding it to post-paid bill.