Soon HTC smartphones with Android and Windows Phone ... - 01net

01net

the 07/10/13 at 15h43

Microsoft discuss with HTC to launch smartphones dual boot.

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Microsoft is obviously desperate to increase its share of ridicule market (3.9% in 2013 according to IDC) in the market for mobile operating systems. According to Bloomberg, the publisher is in talks with the Taiwanese manufacturer HTC to integrate a Windows Phone option on Android smartphones. Microsoft side, the talks would last at least a month managed by Terry Myerson himself, the director of operating systems division. As such, it would have offered a discount or a HTC removing licensing costs associated with Windows Phone. However, no decision was taken on the matter for now. Bloomberg uses for this information on sources “close the file” .

It is not clear how this option would establish a technical point of view. According to Bloomberg, we do not know if Android and Windows Phone revolve at the same time on this schizophrenic smartphone, or whether to choose one to ignition. In the second case, it is called a “dual boot” the user turns on the device and then comes to a screen where you can choose the system to start. Simple, but not very flexible, as for switching to another system should turn off and on the phone.

give more choice to the user

The first case involves the use of virtualization techniques similar to those that already exist on desktops or servers (eg Oracle VirtualBox). This solution would have the advantage of flexibility (you can move from one system to another without difficulty), but requires more computing power. This is not necessarily a good idea on mobile devices.

According to Android Central, which relies on its own sources, the discussions would focus instead on a solution “dual boot” type, which would also make perfect sense. There is little chance that a normal user (ie non-geek) actually uses two operating systems simultaneously over a long period. Very few people do on desktops. Why they would on a smartphone? After a time, they no longer use the system they deem most appropriate. And to make this choice, the dual boot is sufficient. This is also the goal of Microsoft: allow users to test its operating system and possibly adopt forever. From a commercial point of view, the idea is not so stupid.

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Sources:

The Bloomberg article
Article Android Central