I am one of the many Lumia 920 users disappointed with the utter lack of a compelling successor. I think Microsoft dropped the ball on this one (just as it did with missing the mid-range boat in 2013 and messing it up with the Lumia 830's pricing).
On the other hand, I also get the rationale behind putting high-end Lumia devices to the backburner, they're tough to sell. Fair. But that doesn't mean Microsoft should just drop the ball entirely. It can moderate the situation by streamlining the high-end Lumia line down to 3 core devices designed for specific audiences and market strategies.
First, a Lumia 9xx device designed to be a superb all-rounder possessing the latest technology, best specs and admirable design and styling ideas. This could be the mass-market device for Q4 periods whereby Microsoft could comfortably push a balanced device to carriers all over the world. This could be the *only* high-end Lumia worthy of carrier adoption and released once on an annual basis.
Second, a Lumia 10xx device envisaged as a niche device for mobile photographers. Microsoft need not worry about pricing or carrier availability, it should only produce a limited stock and sell it directly to consumers via its Microsoft Stores and dealers eager to push the device. This could be released in Q1 to help drive mindshare to the platform in an otherwise dry quarter.
Third, a Lumia 15xx device for the professional. Market this device as a phablet, give it a Wacom active digitizer and possibly other device-exclusive technology (e.g. the ability to push a desktop if wirelessly connected to a special Microsoft monitor). Again, like the 10xx, position it as a niche device that is offered directly to consumers at off-contract pricing.
On the other hand, I also get the rationale behind putting high-end Lumia devices to the backburner, they're tough to sell. Fair. But that doesn't mean Microsoft should just drop the ball entirely. It can moderate the situation by streamlining the high-end Lumia line down to 3 core devices designed for specific audiences and market strategies.
First, a Lumia 9xx device designed to be a superb all-rounder possessing the latest technology, best specs and admirable design and styling ideas. This could be the mass-market device for Q4 periods whereby Microsoft could comfortably push a balanced device to carriers all over the world. This could be the *only* high-end Lumia worthy of carrier adoption and released once on an annual basis.
Second, a Lumia 10xx device envisaged as a niche device for mobile photographers. Microsoft need not worry about pricing or carrier availability, it should only produce a limited stock and sell it directly to consumers via its Microsoft Stores and dealers eager to push the device. This could be released in Q1 to help drive mindshare to the platform in an otherwise dry quarter.
Third, a Lumia 15xx device for the professional. Market this device as a phablet, give it a Wacom active digitizer and possibly other device-exclusive technology (e.g. the ability to push a desktop if wirelessly connected to a special Microsoft monitor). Again, like the 10xx, position it as a niche device that is offered directly to consumers at off-contract pricing.