This is just a thought, but would the official release of Windows Phone 8.1 be a good time to d?but a Surface Phone?
I know, I know, "...WHY!?"
Well, there's been some worry on the part of some that the loss of the Nokia brand behind Lumia may set Windows Phone back a bit. Sure, it won't impact North America all that much (Nokia isn't a heavyweight here), but people in Europe, Asia and Middle East do seem to be worried. Nokia's a pretty strong brand for phones in Nokia, a lot of people out there feel comfortable switching to WP because of Nokia, not because Nokia's using WP. Sure, I can't claim that this is a majority or even significant number of people, but it's having an impact on the discussion (just ask around this forum).
On the other hand, I think Microsoft also has a credible brand. Sure there have been some studies suggesting this, but when the Microsoft Store opened at Square One, I personally saw around 1000 or so people line up for the $399 Surface Pro. Sure, this was a cheap Surface Pro, but still, for something that should be pretty obscure to the market, it's pretty damn surprising to see so many lining up and being excited for the Surface. The Surface brand has some real weight.
Now here's the thing... Logically, a "Microsoft Lumia" should be viable. We're merely putting two credible brands together and 1+1 = 2...
Well, we don't know. In terms of the reality, the consumer market doesn't always make sense. I do foresee the risk of people just not sitting well with the vibe of a "Microsoft Lumia." Knowing Nokia and Microsoft, the name "Microsoft Lumia" does sound a little conflicting. Two good stories doesn't always equate to two compatible stories. The story behind Lumia may not work well without Nokia behind it, it's just too bittersweet.
Alternative? I suggest introducing the Surface to the Windows Phone family.
Windows Phone 8.1 marks a clean push to the market, an opportunity to start fresh. I'd much rather push a dreamy confident story behind a Surface Windows Phone than a bittersweet story about Lumia (without its old sensei Nokia).
Moreover, it doesn't need to be an abrupt change, perhaps a gradual one.
Start out with two Surface phone models for North America:
1. A high-end "Surface 9" with a 41MP camera, super high-res screen, quad-core CPU, etc, etc. This would be the flagship device for everyone to see and talk about, the device to attract all the media and perceptual attention.
2. A mid-end "Surface 7" with the same core specs as Moto G (i.e. CPU, RAM, HD screen, etc) and PureView camera that's a refined version of the one used on the Lumia 920. At $350 off-contract (and $99 on-contract), position this device that's accessible to those seeking a premium experience at a reasonable price.
If it helps, Microsoft can keep the Surface phones in North America and other markets where Lumia hasn't done as well. They can test out the waters where Lumia *is* doing well by continuing to see if the brand has enough fuel in it to continue shining in those markets. As for North America, we know Nokia and Lumia haven't mattered as much as they should, so why not try Surface? After all, the Surface is a mobile brand and it seems people know about it. Why not take a shot?
I know, I know, "...WHY!?"
Well, there's been some worry on the part of some that the loss of the Nokia brand behind Lumia may set Windows Phone back a bit. Sure, it won't impact North America all that much (Nokia isn't a heavyweight here), but people in Europe, Asia and Middle East do seem to be worried. Nokia's a pretty strong brand for phones in Nokia, a lot of people out there feel comfortable switching to WP because of Nokia, not because Nokia's using WP. Sure, I can't claim that this is a majority or even significant number of people, but it's having an impact on the discussion (just ask around this forum).
On the other hand, I think Microsoft also has a credible brand. Sure there have been some studies suggesting this, but when the Microsoft Store opened at Square One, I personally saw around 1000 or so people line up for the $399 Surface Pro. Sure, this was a cheap Surface Pro, but still, for something that should be pretty obscure to the market, it's pretty damn surprising to see so many lining up and being excited for the Surface. The Surface brand has some real weight.
Now here's the thing... Logically, a "Microsoft Lumia" should be viable. We're merely putting two credible brands together and 1+1 = 2...
Well, we don't know. In terms of the reality, the consumer market doesn't always make sense. I do foresee the risk of people just not sitting well with the vibe of a "Microsoft Lumia." Knowing Nokia and Microsoft, the name "Microsoft Lumia" does sound a little conflicting. Two good stories doesn't always equate to two compatible stories. The story behind Lumia may not work well without Nokia behind it, it's just too bittersweet.
Alternative? I suggest introducing the Surface to the Windows Phone family.
Windows Phone 8.1 marks a clean push to the market, an opportunity to start fresh. I'd much rather push a dreamy confident story behind a Surface Windows Phone than a bittersweet story about Lumia (without its old sensei Nokia).
Moreover, it doesn't need to be an abrupt change, perhaps a gradual one.
Start out with two Surface phone models for North America:
1. A high-end "Surface 9" with a 41MP camera, super high-res screen, quad-core CPU, etc, etc. This would be the flagship device for everyone to see and talk about, the device to attract all the media and perceptual attention.
2. A mid-end "Surface 7" with the same core specs as Moto G (i.e. CPU, RAM, HD screen, etc) and PureView camera that's a refined version of the one used on the Lumia 920. At $350 off-contract (and $99 on-contract), position this device that's accessible to those seeking a premium experience at a reasonable price.
If it helps, Microsoft can keep the Surface phones in North America and other markets where Lumia hasn't done as well. They can test out the waters where Lumia *is* doing well by continuing to see if the brand has enough fuel in it to continue shining in those markets. As for North America, we know Nokia and Lumia haven't mattered as much as they should, so why not try Surface? After all, the Surface is a mobile brand and it seems people know about it. Why not take a shot?