PC vendors may be Microsoft’s newest Windows Phone ally. According to a Digitimes report, companies including Acer, Hewlett-Packard and Dell could return to the smartphone market with the next major version of Windows Phone (codenamed Apollo). The close relationship between Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 (details leaked this week about a number of common elements) could make it easier for these companies to develop new WP8-based smartphones.
The report adds that one or more current Windows Phone manufacturers HTC, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics could reduce or stop supporting Windows Phone due to low sales. They may also be looking for an arrangement similar to the one Microsoft has with Nokia which includes development funding.
The report also outlines a roadmap for Windows Phone in 2012. Mango will be upgraded to Tango in the March or April time frame. Tango 2 will then follow in mid-year with Windows Phone 8 to arrive by year’s end. Most WP8-based smartphones would then follow in the first half of 2013. Similar rumours first surfaced last October.
Read more: Digitimes