Looks like the Windows is slowly becoming a favorite of many as Microsoft has announced that nine more handset manufacturers have committed to launching Windows Phone based handsets
In addition to existing partners, Nokia, Samsung, HTC and Huawei, Microsoft has announced it is now working with Foxconn, Gionee, Lava (Xolo), Lenovo, LG, Longcheer, JSR, Karbonn and ZTE.
Microsoft is now working with seven of the top 10 smartphone manufacturers in the world in addition to leading brands in Mainland China, India and Taiwan, representing more than 56 percent of the addressable market globally.
The company is also looking to push down the price of its handsets in order to target the developing markets.
Microsoft is also adding support for Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 and 400 processors, and will also support soft keys and dual SIM, critical requirements particularly in Asian markets.
To help enable smartphone device manufacturers, Microsoft and Qualcomm are collaborating to give OEMs and ODMs that are working with the various Qualcomm Reference Designs for Snapdragon 200 and 400 processors direct access to Microsoft tools, content and adaptation kits to build devices on the Windows Phone platform.
The company was however silent on when it expects new smartphones to be launched by the expanded partners.