Samsung’s delays with its latest Windows Phone 8 offerings have been more than a bit annoying for Samsung fans I’m sure. So what’s going on? Some say that Samsung just isn’t that interested in Windows Phone, and is simply putting most of its focus into Android handsets.
This theory is somewhat supported by a continued strong Android push and the recent announcement that Samsung would not be entering into the Windows RT world in the United States, feeling that releasing their Samsung WinRT tablet was not a profitable move.
All of this points to Samsung having limited interest in Microsoft’s mobile efforts, but could it actually be the carriers that are holding Samsung back from Windows Phone 8 here in the United States? A new report from Korea Times suggests this is the real case.
The Times says that when it comes to Android devices, nearly 50% of a carrier’s Android products are powered by Samsung and we all know that Samsung is the best-selling Android-powered brand. The more “power” over a carrier that a company like Samsung has, the better Samsung’s position for negotiating a better deal that might not be in the carrier’s best interest.
It is for that reason, says the Times, that carriers have delayed Samsung’s launch of Windows Phone 8 devices in order to ensure that Samsung isn’t the “dominate force” for their Windows Phone 8 products as well.
With Windows Phone 7, Samsung’s presence didn’t seem as troubling, largely because carriers weren’t worried about it catching on all that much. Windows Phone 8 is doing much better, however. In other words the CLAIM is that Samsung is being held back in order to give other Windows Phone 8 handset makers time to roll out several success lines/devices.
By doing this, the carriers ensure that Samsung becomes just another player in the Windows Phone 8 world, and not the dominant player. This makes some sense, I’ll admit. It also could just be a positive spin to make Samsung’s delay look less like it was their fault– hard to say for sure.
What do you think, does this claim make sense to you or not? Share your thoughts below.
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