14 DAY TRIAL // It's no surprise that these days all eyes are on Windows 10 and the new features it brings to the world, but in addition to the desktop platform, Microsoft is working on several novelties for Windows Phone users as well.
Windows Phone continues to be the third top mobile platform in the world after Android and iOS, so it's actually mandatory for Microsoft to introduce new updates and improvements in order not only to hold onto its position but also to get closer to its rivals in the smartphone business.
As a result, 2015 is playing a decisive role in Windows Phone's short-term performance, and some of the moves that Microsoft is planning to do are more or less influenced by Windows 10.
Windows Phone 10
First and foremost, Microsoft is already working on Windows Phone 10, the next version of the mobile operating system which could see daylight at about the same time as Windows 10.
Basically, Windows Phone 10 represents one of the biggest updates for Windows Phone in the last few years, so it's only natural to expect this new version to be much better and boast plenty of new features as compared to the existing build.
One of the improvements that could be part of Windows Phone 10 is the addition of interactive live tiles, which give users the possibility of performing a number of tasks, such as playing or pausing music, straight from the home screen without launching the apps.
This particular feature was already demonstrated by Microsoft Research in 2014 and could be implemented at some point in Windows Phone. Many sources claim that Windows Phone 10 is very likely to boast such options, along with visual tweaks and other new features.
A closer look at Windows Phone 10 could be provided later this month, at the January 21 Windows 10 event, when Microsoft is also expected to present a preview build of the OS.
New Windows Phone flagships
In addition to the debut of Windows Phone 10, Microsoft should also release new flagships running the revamped operating system.
And still, news isn't really optimistic in this regard. Windows Phone 10 is expected to debut together with Windows 10 in late summer or early fall 2015, so if new devices running it are indeed planned from the very beginning (which pretty much makes sense), expect them to see daylight in the fall of this year.
Recently, people close to the matter have revealed that flagships won't be updated until Windows Phone 10 comes out, so Lumia 930 and Lumia 1520 will only see their successors go live later this year.
Obviously, everyone would want new flagships to launch as soon as possible, but in the meantime, Redmond is also planning to expand its Lumia series with new affordable models, all wearing the Microsoft brand.