Historically, Wileyfox's phones have been powered by Cyanogen OS, but unfortunately, Cyanogen Inc. isn't around anymore. While those devices have been updated to stock Android, the firm will also be diversifying its lineup with a new Windows 10 Mobile handset.
Indeed, the company plans to launch a Windows phone, and it's coming in August. Wileyfox will focus on selling it to businesses, citing Windows being better for security than Android. Vice president of sales Andy Lee said the following:
Windows is much better for security that’s why it’s more suited for B2B. Android can be opened up. Increasingly people are screaming for costs to come down and want a good affordable device. If businesses are going to buy thousands of devices to kit out their work force, they need a good price point. That’s where we’re going to hit it out. Most firms can’t afford to spend £500 per device. But with us they can be assured quality and the right features.
Microsoft has famously said that B2B is where the market for Windows phones will lie going forward. The only company to adopt this strategy thus far has been HP, with its Elite x3 flagship, and that's likely what Lee was talking about when he mentioned a £500 device. Beating that price point would likely mean mid-range specs though, possibly a Snapdragon 617 chipset to support Continuum.
While the Elite x3 was the only Windows phone that was squarely aimed at businesses, Microsoft also made a half-hearted attempt with the Lumia 650. While the company said that the device was aimed at businesses, it didn't support any of the new features in Windows 10 Mobile - such as Continuum or Windows Hello - that would be suitable for the commercial market.
Wileyfox also said that it plans to sell two million smartphones this year, which is four times what the firm sold last year. The company wasn't clear on how much of that it thinks will be fuelled by its new Windows phone.
Source: Mobile News via All About Windows Phone
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