Phandroid
Plants vs. Zombies 2 global Android rollout happening ‘soon’
After a limited launch in China, the highly-anticipated sequel to Plants vs. Zombies will make a global debut in the near future. PopCap, the maker of Plants vs. Zombies, confirmed as much in an announcement for the soft launch of the game in Australia and New Zealand. After play-testing in those regions, Plants vs. Zombies 2 should see a wider release in the Google Play Store.
It’s an interesting approach after the game launched for iOS over the summer. PopCap seems determined to see a smooth launch for their latest title for Android, and a phased rollout allows them time to catch any issues with the implementation of the Plants vs. Zombies 2 for the platform.
Plants vs. Zombies 2 picks up where the original left off, utilizing much of the same gameplay and tactics. New items, plants, and challenges await, however, and it’s all tied together with a time traveling theme that sees players whisked off to ancient Egypt or the high seas to do battle with mummies and pirate zombies. The game will be free to download when it does finally launch.
An HTC Android that boots Windows Phone? Microsoft wants it to happen
HTC is struggling to stay afloat in the smartphone market while Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform can’t seem to gain a foothold, either. Is there a solution that could benefit both? According to Microsoft, one solution might be to include the Windows Phone operating system on the Taiwanese manufacturers Android handsets. So eager to see this happen, they are willing to reduce or waive any associated licensing fees, according to reports.
The logistics of this aren’t exactly clear. Is Microsoft pushing for a dual-boot HTC One that can run both Android and Windows Phone out of the box? Or are they seeking Windows Phone-only versions of HTC’s more popular hardware. HTC was one of the first companies to release devices build around Microsoft’s mobile platform, but they haven’t partnered on a new handset since early in the summer. Most indications are that HTC has no plans to release future Windows Phone devices.
Microsoft wants to make their platform, which holds a 3.7- percent market share, appealing to OEMs, especially after acquiring their own hardware arm from Nokia. Licensing fees (or lack thereof) that rival Android might be one way to do this. Will HTC bite? Something tells me they already have enough on their plate attempting to turn around their financial outlook, but even a flailing HTC might be Microsoft’s best option if they hope to make Windows Phone a serious contender.
[via Bloomberg]
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