14 DAY TRIAL // Even though Microsoft has shown little to no excitement at all when it comes to Windows phones in the last couple of years, the company is about to receive another big hit in the mobile industry.
The NYPD is planning to replace all of its Windows phones with iPhones, according to a report from the NY Post, mostly as a result of Microsoft no longer supporting Windows Phone 8.1, which is powering the smartphones used by police officers.
NYPD embracing Windows phones was a move received with much enthusiasm by the Windows community and Microsoft itself, especially because it landed at a time when the platform was already struggling.
Seen by many as a sign that Windows phone still has chances to succeed, the adoption of Windows phones by the NYPD brought no less than 36,000 smartphones on the streets of New York, which were used for faster reporting and responding to emergency calls.
The NYPD spent $160 million to purchase Lumia 830 and Lumia 640 XL running special software for police officers, but given that both devices are running Windows Phone 8.1, which no longer receives support from Microsoft, a transition to a different platform is becoming mandatory.
All-in on iPhones this time
Apple’s iPhones are NYPD’s next pick, though no specifics were provided as to what model law enforcement would choose. Apple is getting ready to launch new iPhones in September, but there’s a big chance the NYPD would go for a previous model, as the transition would be rather expensive for the department. The top iPhone 8 could cost as much as $1,200 when equipped with 512GB storage.
Many blame NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Information Technology Jessica Tisch for the failed experiment, she’s the one who pushed for Windows phones at a time when Android and iOS were already leading the mobile race. But Tisch claimed Windows phones were the much better option because the NYPD was already using Microsoft software, aiming for better integration of all devices.
“She drove the whole process. Nobody purchases 36,000 phones based on the judgment of one person. I don’t care if you’re Jesus f- -king Christ, you get a panel of experts,” one person familiar with the matter was quoted as saying by the aforementioned source.
Tisch is currently on vacation, and she only returns on Monday, so expect more information on NYPD’s transition from Windows phones to be provided sometime next week.