In a desperate attempt apparently Microsoft is talking with HTC to add its Windows Phone operating system to Android-based smartphone at little or no cost. The software giant has a marketshare of only 3.7 percent. We're not sure though if there's much consumer demand for a dual-boot phone, it's not like Windows Phone has any killer apps that you can't get on Android.

Anonymous sources told Bloomberg the following: Terry Myerson, head of Microsoft’s operating systems unit, asked HTC last month to load Windows Phone as a second option on handsets with Google Inc. (GOOG)’s rival software, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. Myerson discussed cutting or eliminating the license fee to make the idea more attractive, the people said. The talks are preliminary and no decision has been made, two people said. It’s willingness to add Windows as a second operating system underscores the lengths to which Microsoft will go to get manufacturers to carry its software. HTC, the first company to make both Windows and Android phones, hasn’t unveiled a new Windows-based handset since June and has no current plans to release any more, said one person. Microsoft, with 3.7 percent of the market, is finding it necessary to make concessions after agreeing to acquire Nokia Oyj (NOK1V)’s handset unit, which competes with other smartphone makers.