The rumored 'Surface Phone' may or may not ever see the light of day. But if it does, this is how Microsoft should position it for success.
As Microsoft winds down its smartphone efforts in preparation for its next mobile attempt, many fans still want a Windows phone. But boy, are they getting difficult to find.
Microsoft's Joe Belfiore said Windows 10 Mobile is for phone experiences. That doesn't contradict a full Windows on ARM on telephony-enabled pocket PCs vision, however.
Windows 10 Mobile failed, but the remnants of a plan where Windows 10 Mobile and full Windows on ARM coexist, Microsoft's post-smartphone strategy, endures.
Major tech companies such as Apple and Samsung are poised to start selling smartphones that cost significantly more than $1,000. Here is how those devices could boost Microsoft's alleged Surface phone.
Windows 10 Mobile is effectively a mere testing ground for cellular and ARM capabilities destined for Microsoft's potential Windows 10 on ARM "Surface phone." Windows phone fans, you're the unpaid beta testers.
Lenovo's "Folio" folding phone technology has made another appearance in a new video. Is this what we might be able to expect of the mythical Surface Phone?
Disenchanted Windows phone fans feel Microsoft's next mobile device will fail without their support. But Microsoft's ultimate mobile device vision may not need those smartphone loyalists.
Microsoft's retreat from the smartphone space suggests its killing Windows phone. Perhaps it is, but only to prepare for what's coming next.
Apples consumer-focused strategy wrested the smartphone market from Microsoft and is doing the same with AR. A company-supported Surface phone with AR glasses, pen and a suite of "Surface apps" may be Microsoft's last hope.
Smartphones are the gateways to many tech companies' broader ecosystems. Sadly, history proves any attempt by Microsoft to fill that void in its ecosystem is a huge gamble.
Does Microsoft have a mobile strategy? Yes, but to see it you must look beyond the yearly cycle governing the smartphone industry.
Microsoft's Surface 'phone' strategy is long-term and includes many parts, but the company will launch such a device once all the pieces are in place.
Microsoft bet big on Continuum's ability to give a phone a desktop experience. Modernized Win32 apps via Project Centennial and UWP are critical to that scenario, so getting developers on board with Windows S is a necessity.
Windows phone fans are hoping for at least a tidbit of information on Microsoft's mobile strategy from the upcoming Build developer conference. They'll get it ... but maybe not in the way they expect.
Microsoft's introduction of Windows 10 S finally gives developers a compelling reason to invest in Project Centennial and the Universal Windows Platform (UWP).
What if Microsoft could convince developers that there is a single "mobile" platform to develop for, rather than three distinct platforms, iOS, Android and the oft-neglected Windows? That should be exactly what the 'Xamarin' tools do.
The Surface Phone might never see the light of day, but that doesn't mean we can't dream about it!
Microsoft's CEO has promised an ultimate mobile device. Speculation abounds about what that device might look like and what strategy the company could use to promote it. We have some ideas, and we'd love to hear yours, as well.
If the Surface phone is a PC Microsoft can market it based on its PC strength without facing the hurdles in the smartphone space.