No tie-ups with local handset makers for Windows Phone

Over the last couple of years, the Indian market has shown significant growth. There have been several new players, who’ve cashed upon the openness of the Android platform. In India, we still have a slew of Java devices too. But maybe not everyone is looking to extent the reach of mobile phones to every segment. Bhaskar Pramanik, Chairman Microsoft India revealed in an interview that the company isn’t looking to tie up with local phone makers for its Windows Phone. “The Windows Phone requires a specification for the user experience. We want to give the same kind of experience that Apple has. This limits the number of manufacturers who can build a product around that,” Mr Pramanik said.

Microsoft is planning to bring in a high-end smartphone experience just like the iPhone, to each of its devices. And it doesn’t seem like it's catering to all segments. This probably means you won’t see a Windows phone from local phone makers like Karbonn, Maxx, Spice and Micromax. These players in the Indian market have ensured that the mobile phone trend reaches all the segments, as you see them crafting low to mid-range smartphones. “I think till they (local handset makers) can design and build a product with that level of specification, yes it is a challenge for them,” he added.

“We want to cater to the real smartphone segment of the country. We want to give the same user experience (as Apple) but across different platforms. It's for the user to choose,” he added. So, by real he points out to the high end category. The high end category is said to sell around 14 million units this year. With the dominance of Android and iPhone, Microsoft can strike a chord only if it sets a good price for the products. Currently, Nokia, Samsung and HTC have been crafting Windows Phone-based devices.