Back in 2010 Microsoft spelled out the hardware specifications manufacturers must follow in order to make a certified Windows Phone 7 device, barring manufacturers from using sub-par components like processors that clock under 1Ghz. Up until now, Windows Phone 7 devices have been powered by Qualcomm processors, specifically of the Snapdragon family. Even the lackluster and low-end HTC Trophy which Verizon is finally releasing with plenty of eye-rolling has a Snapdragon under the hood. Today the Qualcomm monopoly in WP8 devices comes to a close as Microsoft has given the green light for its upcoming Nokia handsets to be fueled by an ST-Ericsson U8500 processor. Yes Windows Phone 8. That’s the next generation of Windows Phone 7 scheduled to arrive with the Nokia handsets in 2012. The chip isn’t a lightweight, bubbling to the brim with dual-core goodness and being compared quite positively to the Qualcomm Snapdragon. It’s a system-on-a-chip that bakes Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi, and HSPA+ all into a neat and compact wafer. Continue reading “Microsoft loosens the reigns on its Windows Phone processors, ST-Ericsson joins the fun”