Microsoft today said two companies, called Prestigio and Micromax, have agreed to make low-cost Windows Phone devices. Both companies are still in the development stage, but will bring products to market soon.
Also, Microsoft today said that it will no longer require hardware makers to pay a licensing fee for Windows Phones or Windows tablets as long as they have a screen size of 9 inches or less. This means companies will no longer need to pay Microsoft to use its smartphone and tablet platforms in their hardware and devices. Theoretically, this should boost the number of companies interested in making Windows Phone and other Windows hardware.
