Microsoft has stated that its Windows Phone platform will surpass Apple in China as its partners start launching smartphones costing as low as $158. Company is taking this up as its interim goal, while taking over Android will be Redmond's long term objective, Microsoft CEO for Greater China region Simon Leung told media in Beijing.
As per reports in
Bloomberg, Microsoft is certain about its partners releasing smartphones priced starting 1000 yuan ($158), but did not specify the specific manufacturers or gave any time-frames for launches.
The 16GB version of Apple iPhone 4S costs 4988 yuan ($790) in China.
According to Leung, Microsoft will continue to drive the smartphone prices down and wants to take the top spot in China.
As China is set to become the biggest smartphone market this year, it is going to be the next battleground for smartphone price-wars and market share.