New smartphones that run both Android and Windows Phone will start shipping by June, thanks to Indian handset maker Karbonn Mobiles.

The company will launch a series of Windows Phone 8 smartphones in the coming months after signing a new licensing deal with Microsoft, then its dual-booting handsets will follow in the summer, reports The Times of India.

Karbonn chairman Sudhir Hasija confirmed that the company reached an agreement with Microsoft last week after the software giant has “eased the regulations and is opening up its platform for other players.”

Karbonn will focus on Windows Phone-only devices first, before launching what could be the first dual-booting Android and Windows Phone smartphones in June. The obvious benefit is that users will be able to switch from Android to Windows Phone and vice-versa as they wish, allowing them to enjoy both platforms on one device.

But it’s unclear how closely the two will work together; they could be completely separate, or users may be able to share files and other data between the two — so pictures and videos taken with Android are also available when using Windows Phone.

Karbonn’s announcement comes five months after it was reported that Microsoft wanted HTC to make dual-booting Android and Windows Phone smartphones. Sources claimed that the company was willing to cut or even eliminate its licensing fees to make it happen in the hope that Android users would buy a dual-booting device and eventually decide that they like Windows Phone more.

• SourceThe Times of India
• ViaThe Verge