There’s no denying that Microsoft mobile efforts are in deep water. With a minuscule market share of 2.6% worldwide and not a single mention at Build, it’s easy to see why. Also, Terry Myerson, the head of Windows said that the company’s mobile plans are not somewhere it wants to “lead” in 2016. Right now, they want to focus on devices with screens between 9- and 30-inches, a category that Windows 10 caters to perfectly.
Still, as they say, there is hope at the end of the tunnel, there is a silver lining in Microsoft’s mobile ambitions. At the build conference, Microsoft noted that 270 million users are running Windows 10 across a various range of devices and the improvements it has made with Universal Windows Platform(UWP). Apps like Uber and New York Times have embraced the platform for the first time, addressing the app gap issues that led to the third installment of Windows Phone.
Windows 10 is just Windows 10, whether it’s a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, mobile, xBox or even HoloLens. As the numbers for Windows 10 grow, the developers will bring their app to the platform, and once they come, they can make use of the UWP to fine tune their apps for mobile.
Even though, there is a lot to cover, UWP is giving a breath of fresh air to the Microsoft’s mobile ambitions. This might not be enough to convince the majority of Android or iPhone owners to switch, but it could appeal to one key market: Businesses.
Microsoft Lumia 650 is a clear example of the company targeting business users. It comes with one of the best designs from Microsoft’s factory with specifications just enough to run the office and productive apps. Along with that, Microsoft has halted its myriad of devices launch to give new players like HP and Lenovo some room to enter the space.
Overall, the current picture is bleak but full of hope for Microsoft and Windows 10 Mobile. The vision is all that matters, and in the case of Microsoft, they seem to be on the right track, but only time will tell. Still, it would be great to see Windows Phone, a long-term failed project, succeed and this may be a way for it to do that.