Micromax to offer Windows Phone 8.1-based smartphones soon

One of the most important announcements made at Microsoft's Build Conference 2014 was the tie up of Microsoft with the Indian smartphone maker Micromax. According to reports, Micromax will soon be offering affordable Windows Phone 8.1 platform-based smartphones in India.



Reports suggest that Micromax and Microsoft were in talks over Windows Phone since the middle of last year. The two companies reportedly reached an agreement earlier this year as Microsoft decided to make Windows Phone free for Micromax. According to recent reports, Microsoft is offering Windows Phone free for some Indian smartphone companies including Micromax, Xolo (Lava) and Karbonn.

Samsung’s next Windows Phone handset (ATIV SE)

Next week, Microsoft is expected to unveil Windows Phone 8.1. Usually with big OS refreshes you get a few hardware launches, as well. That’s no different this time around as we’re expecting the Lumia 630 (aka ‘Moneypenny’), Lumia 930 (aka ‘Martini’, a non-Verizon version of the Icon) and eventually ‘Goldfinger’, which we hear is going to be a somewhat radical departure in terms of user interaction.

One of those 8.1 launch devices is reportedly the Samsung ATIV SE, another refresh from Samsung destined for Verizon. Not much is known about this device except that it may have a five inch, 1080P display and that it’s being built for Windows Phone 8.1. A render has been leaked by Evleaks that suggests a strong similarity between it and other ATIV devices in terms of aesthetics.

It’s not clear yet though if it will launch with 8.1 or get the update sometime soon after.

Now, getting word from a trusted source that the ATIV SE will hit shelves on April 18 with an off-contract price of $599. On-contract will most likely be $199, but we have not been able to verify that as of yet.