Why don't we have top-of-the-line WP hardware available for $350 unlocked like the Nexus 5? Why are RT devices starting at $450 instead of $200 like the Nexus 7? Licensing fees. I know it's a traditional part of the MS scheme, but it's time to back down or get pushed out. Market share in the growing tablet industry is being surrendered, and WP's growth will be forever limited (IN THE US) if they cannot offer competitive, quality hardware--or any hardware--for the prices that Google's Nexus brand puts out. Nokia's strategy relies on eating into the cheaper-hardware territory, which right now on the shelves is dominated in the US by Nexus. The 520 has done well, but we don't have any higher-end hardware offerings that aren't heavily inflated in unlocked price by putting carriers first (ahem AT&T). There may be more reasons, but licensing fees seems to be the one preventing OEMs from branching out
(It may help if Nokia hardware gets fully integrated into MS.)
Just food for thought.
(It may help if Nokia hardware gets fully integrated into MS.)
Just food for thought.