Digitimes: Microsoft will keep Windows Phone 7.8 around for low-end handsets

Citing their usual unnamed Taiwan-based handset supply chain maker sources, Digitimes claims Microsoft will be keeping Windows Phone 7.8 around for brand new low-end to mid-range models targeting emerging markets.

The reason is supposedly the high end specs demanded by Windows Phone 8, and it raises the intriguing possibility of further updates to Windows Phone 7 to support functionality demanded in those localities.

Of course the story conflicts with other reports from Paul Thurrott that this year’s high end handsets will become next year’s low end devices, which would make such a fragmented ecosystem unlikely.

Via Unwiredview.com