LG: Windows Phone sales aren’t “meaningful”

LG has decided to focus on Android handsets rather than Windows Phone, after phones running Microsoft’s OS failed to chalk up “meaningful sales”.

Windows Phone was first announced in 2010, but still only accounts for 2.5% of the UK market.

A spokesperson for LG told the Korea Herald that it will “continue research and development efforts” on Windows Phone, but has no current plans to roll out a new handset.

“The total unit of Windows Phone sold in the global market is not a meaningful figure,” the LG spokesman told the newspaper, ahead of an expected trip to Korea by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

The total unit of Windows Phone sold in the global market is not a meaningful figure

The handset maker clarified to PC Pro that the Microsoft OS remained an option. “LG are still on board with Windows Phone, but right now, we’re focusing on Android because that’s where the demand is,” a spokesperson said. “Regardless of which OS, LG is committed to offering consumers as wide a choice as possible.”

LG never really focused on Windows Phone, releasing in 2010 a single handset in the US, the LG Quantum, and another internationally, the LG Optimus 7. It hasn’t released any other handsets running Microsoft’s system since then.

Earlier this month, European mobile operators suggested even Nokia’s handsets would sell better running Android.

Nokia Lumia delays

Nokia has also been struggling with Windows Phone sales – except in the US. Earlier this month, the handset maker – which has an exclusivity deal with Microsoft – announced it hadn’t sold as many handsets as expected, with sluggish sales across Europe.

However, the company has had better success in the US, with its flagship Lumia 900 selling out. The smartphone’s arrival in the UK has now been delayed; it was intended to be released this week, but will now be held back until mid-May to replenish US supplies.

“Due to overwhelming demand for the Lumia 900 in the US having a small knock-on effect on product availability in the UK, those who were the first to pre-order their Lumia 900 from Phones 4u will receive a set of Nokia Purity by Monster in-ear headphones in addition to their free Nokia Play 360 wireless speaker when the Lumia 900 now launches on the 14th May,” retailer Phones4U said in a statement sent to customers, according to The Telegraph.