Carriers blamed for Samsung's lack of interest in Windows Phone 8
Industry analysts suggest that carriers are scared of Samsung dominating two platforms
Published: 23 January, 2013
READ MORE: US | Samsung | OS | Windows Phone
Things have been looking up for Microsoft, with the first crop of phones running Windows Phone 8 proving more popular than previous WP7 offerings, but Samsung has been strangely quiet when it comes to releasing its own WP8 devices.
This week, According to industry analysts at the Korea Times, the decision has more to do with the carriers than any disinterest Samsung has in the platform. While its own WP7.5 devices weren't that memorable, Samsung was the first to announce its own WP7.8 handset, the ATIV Odyssey, one which promised to be the Windows Phone equivalent of the popular Galaxy S series.
That device was meant to be released in December, now it's nearing the end of January and a launch date has yet to be confirmed. The analysts believe that carriers like Verizon in the US and Telefonica are reluctant to sell the phone as its success would risk Samsung having even more leverage with the carriers if it started to dominate Windows Phone as it has done with Android.
However, those same analysts foresee carriers ultimately caving in. Whether this will mean less diversity for the carriers (as they predict) remains to be seen, but there's no doubt the ATIV Odyssey is a handset people want to see. One anonymous industry official suggested that people will buy Samsung's Windows Phone devices simply because it's made by Samsung, not for the OS it runs.
True or not, the insights are fodder for speculation and if any company has a chance of becoming the new Windows Phone manufacturer of choice it's Samsung.
Of course the ATIV Odyssey's absence at Verizon could be for entirely different reasons, and there're rumours the handset will go on sale at the carrier tomorrow.
COMMENTS
BYOD: Market Analysis and Forecasts
An in-depth insight into the rise of BYOD policies within the enterprise and analysis of the impact the trend will have on IT departments,...
Voice Command, Control and Search on Mobile Phones: Market Analysis & Forecasts
This report provides a comprehensive insight into the growing importance of voice command, control and search on handsets, analysing...
Data Centre Network Equipment: Market Analysis and Forecasts
This report provides a global assessment of the data centre network equipment market. Besides assessing the key market trends, sub-markets...
HetNet Market Summary & Forecasts: Macro Cells, Small Cells & Wi-Fi Offload
Carriers are struggling to cope with the explosion of data traffic on their networks, and the additional deployment of LTE and legacy...
Over-the-Top Communications: Threats & Opportunities for Mobile Operators
This report examines the implications of widespread adoption of mobile over-the-top IP communications for mobile operators, handset...
Portable Gaming Consoles: Market Analysis and Forecasts
This report provides a global assessment of the PGC market. In addition to assessing the key market drivers, market barriers, vendor...
Satellite Phones: Will Dual Mode Help the Phoenix Rise from the Ashes?
Satellite phones have followed an arduous path since their much-hyped launch more than a decade ago. The hype was followed by an e...
