Microsoft is reportedly working on a new smartphone powered by Windows 10, known as the Surface Phone. The device is said to launch sometime in 2017. The company added that mobile phones are not its priority in 2016.
Even after acquiring Lumia, Microsoft has been struggling in the mobile phone market. The Microsoft Surface Phone will hopefully improve its standing when it releases. The upcoming model is reportedly being developed by Panos Panay and his Surface team, the same group of people who worked on the Surface Tablet. The new device is said to arrive in three versions, namely consumer, business and prosumer/enthusiast.
According to Pocket-Lint, Microsoft is eyeing to launch the Surface Phone early in 2017. The smartphone will expectedly be high-end and feature high quality materials and specifications. The device may feature a premium metal build, similar to the Surface Tablet. The phone may have a kickstand that lets it stand independently. The business version may also have a stylus. There may be three different displays for each version of the Surface Phone. The consumer version may feature a five to six-inch screen, although some claim that a 5.7-inch display is likely. The business and prosumer versions may have bigger screens.
The News Independent stated that the basic version may have 4GB of RAM with 64GB of internal memory. The advanced version may have 6GB of RAM with 128GB of storage space. The Pro version may have 8GB of RAM and 512GB of internal memory.
Microsoft is said to be collaborating with Intel on the Surface Phone, particularly to create the mobile chipsets. It is still uncertain whether Intel will make a new chip specific to the device, but it will expectedly pack a lot of power, since it doubles as a PC, with the aid of Continuum. The phone may also feature a powerful battery to support the high-end specs. The phone may further include a powerful front and back camera to support various apps.
The Verge stated that according to Terry Myerson, head of Windows, smartphones are an important part of their business, but is not their main priority. Myerson also said that they are fully committed to the four-inch screen. He said that they realize that form factor is important, but they feel that the Xbox and HoloLens are more viable platforms to garner the attention of potential customers and showcase the growth of Windows.
More updates and details on the Windows 10-powered Microsoft Surface Phone are expected soon.
