Microsoft has unabashedly accepted the fact that it is not focusing on Phones this year. In an interview, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President of the Windows and Devices Group, Terry Myerson has stressed upon Microsoft’s commitment towards the Phone form factor as a part of entire Windows eco-system but at the same time he has made it clear that Windows Phone is very important, but not exactly the focus in 2016.
“We’re fully committed to that 4-inch screen, there will be a time for it to be our focus, but right now it’s part of the family but it’s not the core of where I hope to generate developer interest over the next year,” explains Myerson. “There’s no lack of recognition to realize how important that form factor is, but for Microsoft with Windows and for our platform it’s the wrong place for us to lead.
Myerson also sought to assuage Windows Phone fans’ fears by saying,
“We’re going to do some cool things with phones, but this year phones are an important part of our family but not the tip of the spear.”
But it becomes evident that Microsoft is planning to engage developers in what it deems “new and exciting areas” like HoloLens and Xbox.
“If you wanted to reach a lot of phone customers, Windows Phone isn’t the way to do it,” admits Myerson. “If you want to reach a lot of Windows customers, then this is the largest install base of 9 to 30-inch screens. If you wanted to do new and exciting things, then the Xbox and HoloLens is the place to have a discussion.”
We exclusively reported that Microsoft is not only working on a Surface Phone but also preparing a Snapdragon 820 running Flagship which may come out later this year. We exclusively reported its specs and it was also seen on GFXBench later. So, it seems Microsoft will be still bringing Phones to market but Windows Phone or rather Windows 10 Mobile will be treated like another part of the Windows 10 universe not the primary focus area.
If you ask us it is nothing new and Windows Phone fans have been feeling the lack of focus ever since Windows 10 Insider program has been launched.
Do let us know what you think about Microsoft’s lack of focus towards Windows Phone or Phones in 2016.
