A new report claims that long-time Windows PC manufacturer Acer is getting ready to jump back in on Windows Phone. The site Gizbot reports that its contacts with Acer have revealed the Windows Phone plans, which would commence in the first half of 2015.
Details of Acer's plans are still secret, however if the Gizbot article is accurate, there will be more than one device.
"We heard that Acer would never make a Windows-powered handset again. Well, it seems that Acer is relooking to unveil a slew of Windows Phone smartphones next year. Exact information and launch details have been kept under tight wraps, however, we've been told that the company could launch its new Windows Phone lineup in the first half of 2015."
Acer last made a Windows Phone back in 2011 with their poorly received Acer W4. It was nearly one-year ago that the company noted that they would not return to Windows Phone until market share and app selection had improved.
To add fuel to the fire, Microsoft did announce last year in Barcelona that OEM licensing would be free for Windows Phone. This announcement coincided with a surfeit of new OEMs who were reportedly committed to Windows Phone, including LG Electronics, Lenovo, ZTE, Samsung, Karbonn, and others.
However, since that time, Huawei has evidently backed out and Acer was never mentioned as committed to Windows Phone.
Reports of Acer coming back to the Windows Phone fold have been circulating for years, and for now, Windows Central is highly skeptical of the claim by Gizbot. If Acer were to announce anything, the upcoming shows at CES, Mobile World Congress or IFA would be good venues to do so.
Of course, many believe Windows 10 will change everything, due to the overlapping OS and app store. Acer, who is no stranger to Windows proper, could very well be testing the waters for the new OS and phones. Nevertheless, until we see something definitive from the Taiwanese firm, we won't hold our breath.
Source: Gizbot
