Microsoft can revive Windows phones by switching to Android

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Published onAugust 25, 2016

published onAugust 25, 2016

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Microsoft’s phones have never been very popular among users. Actually, the company’s decision to acquire Nokia is one of the less inspired decisions it’s ever taken. As a result, Microsoft wiselylet go of the Nokia brandthis year and is now betting it all on the upcomingSurface Phone.

Let’s assume theSurface Phonebecomes very popular and convinces users to give theWindows Mobileplatform a second chance. While this smartphone packs impressive specs and features, not all users will afford to buy it. Of course, this won’t help Microsoft bite a bigger chunk off the phone market.

How about the previous Windowsphone models? Could Microsoft make them more appealing to users? We believe the answer is yes. If Redmond becomes more flexible and installs Android on its phones, chances are more potential buyers will purchase them.

Of course, doing so means that Microsoft would give up on its ambition to deliver a unique OS and experience on all its platforms. After all, this is one of the main goals of theWindows 10 Anniversary UpdateOS. But according toNetMarketShare, Windows Phone has a 2.79% market share, while Android dominates the mobile market with a solid 66% market share.

Second, Android on Microsoft’s phones doesn’t look bad at all. Arecent experimentperformed by a hacker revealed what Android Marshmallow looks like on Lumia 525. Apart from the slow bootup sequence, which is normal, Android is pretty fluid on Lumia 525.

Third, thanks to theSecure Boot leak, it’s only a matter of time until tech savvy users will be able to installAndroidthemselves. Microsoft is trying hard to patch this vulnerability, but hackers say the tech companycan’t revokethe leaked Secure Boot policies. It seems that Pandora’s box has been opened for Microsoft.

Fourth, others do it. Take a look at RIM, a company that has been struggling for years to survive on the market. RIM launched its first Android phone last year, the BB Priv — even if it hasn’t been very successful.

Fifth, by installing Android on its phones, Microsoft solves the app barrier problem. Users will be able to download any app they wish and this also means that developers will have it easier.

What do you think about this thought experiment? Is it possible that Microsoft will ever install Android on its phones? Would you buy such a phone?

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With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft can revive Windows phones by switching to Android