A Microsoft Surface Phone may come in three versions but not until early 2017
Microsoft's plans for a Surface phone still appear to be happening, but it may be pushed back until early 2017 with their other new Windows 10 devices. There could also be up to three models of the premium flagship.

"No more Lumias"

The current Microsoft strategy when it comes to mobile is still one of retrenchment. Microsoft has pulled back development of the Lumia line, including product cancellations, for presumably a few reasons, including:
1.Windows 10 Mobile is still being developed and improved
2.Let OEM partners have some breathing room to create new hardware
3.Give Microsoft time to come back with a strong product and something to disrupt the market

While Windows 10 Mobile has significantly improved with the latest 10586.164 release aka 'production build' the OS still has a way to go before it can be truly competitive in the consumer market. Two major updates – Redstone 1 for summer 2016 (now called the Anniversary Edition) and Redstone 2 for spring 2017 – will bring a lot of polish to the OS as well as new features including deeper integration with Windows 10 for PC.

With Microsoft's Windows 10 Mobile OS continuing to be developed with new builds nearly every two weeks it seems like a good time to wonder what Microsoft's hardware intentions are going forward.

Sources close to Microsoft's plans have told me that any 'Surface phone' by Microsoft (see my previous article for more context) won't see the light of day until sometime in 2017. The good news is there could be up to three variants for different pricing tiers and markets.

Read more: http://www.windowscentral.com/surfac...ons-early-2017

Posted By: Cluster Head
05 Apr 2016