14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft might launch a new Windows 10 Mobile device as soon as this year, with several reports indicating that this is not the overly-discussed Surface Phone that’s believed to be in the works as part of the division led by Surface creator Panos Panay.
The new Windows phone could launch in late 2017, according to these reports, possibly together with other hardware refreshes prepared by the company.
First and foremost, there’s a report from German site WindowsUnited which states that Microsoft is currently working on a Windows 10 Mobile device that would be similar in features to the existing models, meaning it would be limited to Windows Store apps and run Windows 10 Mobile.
There was hope that with Microsoft’s partnership with Qualcomm to bring the full version of Windows 10 on ARM chips, the Redmond-based software giant could create a phone that can run Win32 software with this emulation system, but according to today’s information, this is not the case. Or at least, not yet.
The new Windows 10 Mobile device would be based on the traditional approach, just like the Lumia 950 and 950 XL, but would instead come with upgraded hardware, such as new-generation processors, improved cameras, and more. The debut is planned for “late 2017.”
The Surface Phone
The Surface Phone is without a doubt one of the most eagerly anticipated products ever said to launch under the Microsoft brand, but up until now, the company has provided absolutely no clear evidence that such a device is in the works, aside from a few hints at an “ultimate mobile device.”
And yet, another German site, DrWindows, indicates that the Surface Phone is real and is being worked on behind closed doors, with Microsoft projecting a possible launch for 2019. Sources from within the company said that there’s no chance to see the Surface Phone going live “before 2018,” so “the ultimate mobile device” is very unlikely to see daylight this year.
These two reports are more or less backed by a post on reddit this morning which comes from an alleged former employee of a Microsoft contractor. He says that Microsoft is indeed planning a new Windows 10 Mobile device for 2017, while the Surface Phone, which would employ the Windows 10 on ARM approach, is only expected in the next couple of years.
Of course, it’s worth noting that these reports should not be taken for granted for the moment and there’s absolutely no confirmation that a new Windows phone is coming, though the delay of the Surface Phone is very likely to cause even more frustration in the community.