Phone makers move away from Windows Phone because of high licensing fees and Nokia competition

Phone makers are either moving away from Windows Phone or putting their plans for the platform on hold, according to DigiTimes’ sources. There are a few reasons for this. First and foremost, Microsoft has only managed to get a market share of 3%, and additionally its platform comes with hefty licensing fees and manufacturers have to compete with Nokia.

Nokia holds an overwhelming majority of Windows Phone sales. Recent data showed in May 2013 the Finnish company sold more than 80% of all Windows Phones leaving little space for others.

HTC, Samsung and Huawei all initially jumped on the Windows Phone 8 opportunity with new devices, but since the initial launches they have not offered a single new device, while Nokia has released a total of six WP8 handsets.

Chinese manufacturers like Acer, Asus and ZTE intended on launching Windows Phone 8 handsets in 2013 but have now pushed back their plans. Here, the main reasons are Microsoft’s unwillingness to lower the high licensing fees for its mobile platform and Nokia’s strong positions. Microsoft holds a tight grip on Windows Phone and that also makes it harder to differentiate.

source: DigiTimes