Microsoft relaxes Windows Phone hardware rules: The way forward or the beginning of the end?

One of the lovely things about Windows Phone devices is their smooth operation. The software always works fluidly whatever the phone.

Why is this?

Because Microsoft imposes strict minimum restrictions on what hardware is allowed to run its WP operating system.

Today, Microsoft relaxed those rules. It means manufacturers like HTC and Lenovo will be able to load their Android handsets with Windows Phone and start selling them.

It will surely mean more Windows Phone handsets on the market. But it could also mean slow, laggy phones being produced just because they are cheap.

Windows Phone may still only have 3.3% of the smartphone market, but the share is growing steadily and it has a good reputation as a mobile operating system.

If it loses that reputation, it will die.