Xolo, one of the well-established Indian smartphone makers, is planning
to release Windows Phone 8.1 handsets and Windows tablets next year. Micromax is also planning to do the same in next year. The Economic
Times (Indian edition) has it that Xolo’s first WP handset could be
launched “by early next quarter”, so it may hit shelves as soon as
January.
Unlike other Indian companies, Xolo manufactures only
“premium smartphones” and doesn’t seem to be interested in developing
ultra-cheap devices. In India, ultra-cheap means under $100 off
contract. And yet, the company’s first Windows Phone handset will not be
expensive, possibly costing between $150 and $300 according to the
publication. All this is interesting because, at the moment, we
don't even know if Nokia will upgrade its Windows Phone 8 line-up to WP
8.1. And here we have a company (not known internationally) coming to
say that it's almost ready to commercialize a handset running the
upcoming OS. Still, since Windows Phone 8.1
may not be announced by Microsoft until April 2014, it remains to be
seen if Xolo’s plans can become reality as soon as the company is
hoping.
Last year, Xolo became the world's first hardware maker to launch an Intel-based smartphone: the Lava Xolo X900 (this, of course, is running Android).
Labels: Smartphone, Tablet, Windows 8, Xolo