MS to launch low-cost Windows Phone 7

BANGALORE: The world’s largest software maker Microsoft is planning to announce a low-cost version of its Windows Phone 7 for developing markets like India next year. Windows Phone 7 is the new operating system for mobile phones by Microsoft, scheduled to be launched by December, this year.

“The low-cost version of the phone will have a different chassis than version 1 to be launched by 2010 end,” said Sudeep Bharati, director, developer tools for Microsoft India’s Visual Studio Team at Tech.Ed 2010 being held here.

The Windows Phone 7 may be priced at $500- $600, same price as Google’s Nexus One. Microsoft officials denied to give any details on pricing .

The Windows Phone 7 will come with a 5 Mega Pixel camera, a large multi-touch screen, Wi-fi , bluetooth and a minimum of 128 MB RAM.

“The new version may also have a smaller screen and will thus be priced lower to suit developing markets like India. We are in talks with OEMs to gain their feedback on a new chassis,” he said. The existing chassis of Windows Phone 7 (due to be launched in December ), carries three buttons.

One of the buttons will carry the Windows symbol and will act like the “start up” key in MS Windows for PCs. The phones to be manufactured by OEMs like HTC, Samsung and LG for Windows Phone 7 will carry a joint branding by Microsoft and the mobile phone maker, the details of which are being worked out.