• Diyan
• On February 28, 2015

Local OEMs to popularize Windows Phone in Japan

Japan is probably the most problematic market for Microsoft and one of the countries where Windows Phones are almost missing from the stores. Microsoft failed in attempts to lure local small companies and big players like Sony to develop Windows devices, whilst Nokia doesn’t have the traditions and popularity it has in Europe. The consequences are disastrous for Microsoft –with a share floating between 0 and 0.5%, Windows Phone shows no signs of life.

The grim situation could change this summer as many local players will support Windows Phone while attempting to establish a stronger position for the platform in the market.

No less than three Japanese manufacturers have already revealed that they will release Windows phones later this year. The first company is Freetel, whose first Windows Phone 8.1 device will be demonstrated at MWC 2015 next week.

Freetel’s phone is a 5-inch handset with a resolution of 1080p or Full HD. Inside is a 64-bit Snapdragon 410 processor supporting LTE. Other key features include 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB internal storage, 8MP + 2MP camera, and a 2500 mAh battery.

Another company set to show a Windows-based prototype in Barcelona is Kyocera. Specs and features of this phone are yet to be announced, but Kyocera is famous with its ruggedized handsets.

Mouse Computers is also gearing up to unveil a Windows Phone, but that will happen later in 2015. The smartphone, which is still in the development stage, will support LTE bands and run Windows 10 out of the box.