14 DAY TRIAL // Redmond-based software giant Microsoft is reportedly working with its chipset supplier partners to build a Windows Phone 8 reference design, one that should be released sometime in the middle of this year.
Apparently, the reference design is expected to attract more handset vendors to Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 operating system, especially those in China.
According to a recent article on DigiTimes, sources familiar with the matter suggested that the aim is to have more mid and entry-level Windows Phone 8 devices launched in China and other emerging markets.
The first smartphones built based on this reference design are expected to become available in the second half of this year.
Chip maker Qualcomm will partner with Microsoft for the building of the reference design, given its history with the Windows Phone platform. MediaTek is also expected to join the party.