Windows Phone Licenses Free – To Some Phone Makers

There have been rumors of Microsoft not charging smart phone makers for some time now, and it appears that this is now the case – if you’re one of the select few makers in the select few markets.  The Times of India reports that Microsoft is waiving the license fee for two Indian manufacturers, Karbonn and Lava (Xolo).

Both of these companies are new to the Windows phone scene, and currently make low-cost Android phones.  Rumor has it that Microsoft has been in talks with the two companies about making a Windows phone, but the agreement was only met when Microsoft dropped the licensing fee.

This is obviously a tactic to compete with Google in emerging markets, as Microsoft has its work cut out for it in that regard.  Microsoft was rumored to be dropping the Windows licensing fee for HTC if it offered the operating system as a “separate option” on its Android phones.

Karbonn will reportedly offer a dual-boot feature on at least one of its phones, allowing the user to boot to Android or the Windows Phone platform.  Personally, I think that sounds absolutely wonderful for the consumer, really giving you the full experience on both platforms without having to commit to one over the other. 

What do you think?  Would you want a smart phone with dual-boot capability?  What would your two OS choices be if so?  Ubuntu and Firefox?