Is Microsoft still committed to smartphone OS? is a question that pops up every now and then, and tech journos went overboard when Microsoft hardly mentioned Windows Phone or Windows Mobile in specific at the recently concluded build conference. A strong belief spread that the Redmond giant is finally giving up the mobile platform and concentrate on its strong fronts like PC and cloud computing.
All these rumors played a part in damaging the platform market share as users jumped the ship to Android or iOS reckoning there won’t be any future with Windows 10 Mobile.
Luckily, a new email has surfaced from Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President of the Windows and Devices Group, to company execs and partners explaining the future plans for the mobile platform.
Myerson said, “I understand that you are hearing concerns from certain partners about Microsoft’s commitment to the mobile space. Let me be very clear: We are committed to deliver Windows 10 on mobile devices with small screen running ARM processors”
There aren’t any details on how the company plans to take the Windows 10 Mobile further but the vice president stresses “business customers” as a potential key focus for the platform.
“We are currently in development of our next generation products and I wanted to reconfirm our commitment to Windows 10 Mobile. We believe in this product’s value to business customers and it is our intention to support the Windows 10 Mobile platform for many years. We have a device roadmap to support that from Microsoft as well as our OEM partners who will also be selling an expanded lineup of phone devices based on this platform,” he added.
This news comes along the new rumors for Surface Phone which is aimed at business customers who value productivity and security over all other things. The smartphone is expected to launch in April 2017, and falls in line with earlier statements of Microsoft employees stating “cool things” planned for next year.
Overall, it’s good to see that Microsoft has come out in open to stress their mobile commitment and create a sense of assurance among its loyal fans.