14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has been criticized by its most loyal Windows phone fans for ignoring its mobile platform, and although the company doesn’t share any specifics, it reiterates its commitment to smartphones every once in a while through the voice of some executives, including Joe Belfiore.
In a recent interview, Belfiore himself has explained that Windows Phone is not dead, pointing out that despite the increased focus on Android and iOS, Microsoft is very keen on keeping its own mobile OS alive.
And yet, it now looks like Microsoft has started sending out mixed signals once again, as the company decided to abandon another Windows Phone app for a reason that wasn’t disclosed.
App to remain in Store
The Bing Rewards app for Windows phones will no longer get updates, Microsoft says, though the app will remain in the Store for those who want to give it a try. Without updates, however, it’s just a matter of time until it reaches the end, so sooner or later the app will be pulled completely.
“We’re ending support for this app in May, but keep earning,” a message displayed in the app when launched on Windows phones reads.
In other words, although the app is no longer getting updates, it’ll continue working just like before, allowing users to earn points when doing certain tasks on Microsoft services. But when the next major update is rolled out, there’s a good chance it goes dark completely.
At this point, Microsoft hasn’t shared anything as to why it decided to abandon the app and there’s no indication on whether it plans to bring it back or launch another version with more features.
For what it’s worth, leaving Windows phones is what many other developers seem to be doing these days, mostly because of the dropping market share, with full focus switched to Android and iOS, which are currently dominating the mobile world.