14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft brought us a lot of news at Build 2016 earlier this year, but the company didn’t even mention Windows Phone during the developer conference, making many wonder whether the mobile platform still had a place in its vision.
And it’s now happening once again, as Microsoft has forgotten about Windows phones during its E3 keynote, focusing instead of Windows 10 PCs and Xbox (which does make sense since this is a gaming event, but the company made absolutely no mention to Windows Phone whatsoever during the entire conference).
In most of the cases, Microsoft included Windows phones into the Windows 10 category, as the new operating system now spans across a wider array of devices, but this time, however, the software giant’s executives specifically referred to “Windows 10 PC,” thus leaving phones out of discussion.
This has obviously led to a new round of criticism on reddit, where users are once again debating the future of Windows 10 Mobile and wondering whether the omission of Windows phones from the E3 keynote is just a bad choice of words or if Microsoft is indeed not very keen on remaining very active in mobile.
Microsoft: Windows phones are not dead
But if you’re asking Microsoft, Windows phones aren’t done yet, and Terry Myerson himself has reiterated the company’s commitment to the platform, hinting at bigger upgrades in the coming years. In 2016, however, Windows phones are very unlikely to make the headlines, as the focus is clearly on PCs and the Xbox.
“I want to assure you that your investment in Windows phones is not at risk. The mobility of the Windows 10 experience remains core to our More Personal Computing ambition. We will continue to support and update the Lumia devices that are currently in the market, and the development of Windows 10 phones by OEMs, such as HP, Acer, Alcatel, VAIO, and Trinity; as well as develop great new devices,” Microsoft said in the mail sent to partners earlier this year.
Once again, all hopes are that the Surface Phone coming next year could rescue the platform, as everyone sees this as the almighty device bringing the best of the best for Windows phones. According to people with knowledge of the matter, the Surface Phone should launch in spring 2017.
Article updated to state that although E3 is a gaming event, seeing Windows phone not even mentioned once during Microsoft's keynote increased the frustration among Windows 10 Mobile fans who want to see the company more committed to the platform, especially because it is part of the Windows 10 effort.