"We want to be there, but as someone who is growing up in the industry, we have to take bets and right now we know that this works [Android]. For us, taking that [Windows Phone] bet is not the right decision this year," Burnes told Pocket Lint. "In the same way we're technically capable of deploying LTE, but we've saved that until the end of this year and rolling it into next year because it's all about volume for us right now."
Burnes puts the job of building the brand at Microsoft's feet. While he notes that Nokia are building the brand alongside Microsoft, it's clear that Acer want to work in a mobile space that is supported 100% by Microsoft, with advertising and brand messaging coming out of Redmond to push Windows Phone as a whole, rather than relying on the advertising and PR from their partner manufacturers.
As Windows Phone continues to grow, albeit slower than some would hope, there will eventually be a tipping point, where the market share means it becomes a valid choice for consumers; when manufacturers look at the platform and decide they can do well, no matter what the incumbents may offer; and developers will have enough of a user base that they can generate significant revenue and income from the platform.
The question is how much should Microsoft invest to make that happen in a reasonable time frame? Acer are looking for more than the current levels.