14 DAY TRIAL // Hell could soon freeze over if the information provided by an alleged Microsoft Store employee proves to be true and the Redmond-based software giant indeed releases an Android smartphone.
We’ve known for a while that Windows phones have no future, as Windows 10 Mobile is now in maintenance mode and support is projected to come to an end in July 2019, but according to a new unlikely rumor, Microsoft already has a backup plan for its mobile hardware strategy.
The company will launch an Android phone, a Microsoft Store employee is quoted as saying in a conversation that includes no other specifics.
“We will be creating a new line of phones for Microsoft phones. It’s like a new edition for Microsoft phones. It’s gonna be powered by Android that’s for sure,” the alleged Microsoft Store employee claims.
Nope.
Basically, if this report is accurate, then Microsoft could replace Windows 10 Mobile with Android and remain an active player in the mobile phone industry with its very own line of devices. But while at first glance such a plan does make sense, especially because Microsoft has the apps to power such an Android phone, it’s very important not to get your hopes too high on this.
First and foremost, Microsoft Store employees don’t typically have access to such critical information on unreleased projects, and it’s unlikely that a low-level worker breaks the news on something this huge for Microsoft.
Plus, this wouldn’t be the first time Microsoft Store workers share inaccurate information on Microsoft’s products, so every little detail that comes via this channel should certainly be taken with a healthy pinch of salt.
In the meantime, Microsoft’s mobile push comes down to apps and services released to iOS and Android, and to the Andromeda device that’s not a phone per se, but a new type of mobile product supporting multiple form factors.