Microsoft has stealthily changed its requirements for phones which will run on its Windows Phone 7 (WP7) platform to allow smartphones without camera to be powered by its mobile platform.

Microsoft has relaxed its Windows Phone 7 specifications requirements to allow camera-less WP7 devices. Image: richlyc / Flickr (CC)

The change is said to have been done by Microsoft towards the end of September which means that hardware manufacturers looking to put WP7 on their phones now have the option of foregoing cameras for their devices.

The change is significant as Microsoft previously looked like they will have strict qualifications for specifications for phones which will run on WP7.

Various explanations have also been offered as to why Microsoft has seemingly lowered its standards for WP7 handsets.

Some say that the option to not include cameras for WP7 devices was opened by the Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft because some enterprise and government deployments of the WP7 devices may require smartphones without cameras for security purposes.

Nonetheless, some observers note that with the changing of the requirements for WP7 handsets, Microsoft maybe moving towards the problem Google has with Android wherein devices running on the mobile platform are not consistent because of the freedom manufacturers have with the mobile OS.

About Solon Harmony Dolor

A passion for technology and journalism makes this upcoming writer very interested in social media and technology news. Fresh from finishing an English and Journalism degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman, he aims to bring interesting news to our readers .