If that is the case, then why did Microsoft go through the trouble of buying Nokia?? I don't believe they would do something like that just to give up on the idea of Windows Phone. Does WP have the traction that I think it deserves?? No, of course not, and, contrary to popular opinion, I don't believe it is through any fault of Microsoft's but, rather, the fault of consumers who "don't like it." They say that without ever having tried a Windows Phone (like how people KNOW that sushi is gross even though they've never tried it).
The lack of vision is the fault of people with no imagination because, since Windows 8/8.1 looks different than the icons and arrangement of icons on Android devices, iPhones and even the older versions of Windows, it must be bad. Windows is suffering under the weight of that ignorance, but I don't believe that they're even close to ready to throwing in the proverbial towel. I admit, they need more "sexy" devices like the 1520 (and some people may disagree with my classifying it as "sexy" because it's size is an issue, but try looking at the specs--processor, expandable memory, screen resolution and camera--and at the same time telling me that it wasn't a show-stopper when it was released) or the Icon because when I first learned about the 1520, I was drooling over it and HAD TO HAVE IT.
Yes, Microsoft needs more devices like that and just because the road map has changed (no McLaren anymore, and the Talkman seems to gave disappeared, too, along with several others) doesn't mean flagships aren't on the horizon. Those things are a big secret until they aren't anymore. I remember telling a Microsoft Store Sales Associate that I only wished the Surface PRO 2 came in magnesium instead of only the dark titanium--a statement with which the Associate agreed would be a good idea--but there was no such option so I bought the black SP2. A month later, the SP3 was announced and I was livid, but that's the way it goes. Good things are ahead for the WP enthusiast. However, until perceptions change, the gains will be minimal because they will only be within a dedicated and loyal group of users who are already onboard and, therefore, not noticed by everybody else at all. I just wish more people had some imagination and would give Windows a realistic shot instead of just ruling it out without giving it any real consideration. That, and people think Nokia is an uncool phone to have. Admit it, you know that's true.
Any time you tell someone you have a Nokia, you get a weird look or a comment about how this isn't 2001 anymore, or that they didn't know Nokia even still existed. Just this week, one of my best friends--a long-time iPhone user--after letting me know that he was going to upgrade his phone soon and was looking at a Samsung, also disclosed that I was the only person he knows with a Nokia. He made no effort to hide the condescension in his voice. That also makes me the only person he knows with a Windows Phone--which is the real salient point--and that's okay with me, but Windows deserves better. If people would just realistically give WP a second look, they would love it.
Oh well...I guess people won't consider something new, fresh and unique if it's too much trouble and if their friends will bristle at the mere suggestion of it. Until that changes, Windows Phone will be a distant third place and it really deserves much better, but I don't think it's going anywhere. Microsoft has really out too much time, effort and money into it to just walk away. At least, that's what I think. And it's what I hope is true, too.