While much of Samsung's efforts is reportedly focused on releasing the company's flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S6 (which was placed under Project Zero), a report has suggested that the South Korean smartphone maker might also be in the process of testing Microsoft's Windows 8.1 operating system on its upcoming smartphones.
With that report, it is suggested that Samsung is monitoring the stability of Windows 8.1 in order to incorporate it in to its cost-effective lineup of smartphones. An unnamed official, who is currently working on the project, has stated that "Samsung has run pilot programs on the stability of Windows 8.1 software on devices. It is interested in promoting Windows mobiles."
The last smartphone rolled out by the leading smartphone in the world was the Verizon exclusive Samsung ATIV SE, a Windows Phone which offered high-end specifications for Windows Phone users. Samsung moves expeditiously in order to diversify its smartphone lineup to start raking in revenue. However, one of the reasons that has halted Samsung's progress is the litigation between Microsoft and the manufacturer over royalties.
In October 2014, Microsoft sued Samsung for $6.9 million. The details of the lawsuit stated that Samsung was liable to pay Microsoft the aforementioned amount due to Samsung being late in paying the tech giant $1 billion in royalties. Microsoft receives a royalty from Samsung every time the South Korean firm releases an Android device. According to Samsung, proceeding with paying the company, the amount owed would result in the violation of anti-trust regulations following Microsoft's purchase of Nokia Devices and Services.
An unnamed official said that Samsung's tests on Microsoft's mobile platform is sufficient evidence that both companies have managed to solve their disputes in an amicable way. It is expected that Samsung will be releasing its Windows 8.1 device during the third quarter of 2015.
