Washington: Microsoft is reportedly mulling over the idea of offering free versions of its Windows Phone and Windows RT operating systems to device makers.
Sources have revealed that the free versions are under serious consideration by OS chief Terry Myerson, and might be delivered with the Threshold range of updates that is speculated to bring back the Start Menu feature.
According to The Verge, Microsoft currently licenses Windows RT and Windows Phone software to device makers, and the majority of its Windows revenue comes from OEMs who build systems based on Windows 8 and Windows RT.
The report said that cut on the license fee for the OS would be backed by a push for revenue from Microsoft's apps and services for additional revenue.
If the decision is made, it would point to a competition against Android, which is currently dominating the market and also push device makers to produce more products and in turn improve developer interest in building applications for the platforms, the report added.
