It sounds like Microsoft should just kill WP but at the same time, Windows 10 Mobile has so much potential. What would you do if you were in charge?
Honestly Microsoft seems to be doing two things at once
1. Not supporting Windows Phone enough(the last 5 years shows this) and putting far more effort in Android and IOS and literally nowhere near the same level for their own OS
2. Trying to push WIndows phone and Windows 10.
Personally if they are going to try and push Android/IOS as they have...you may as well just create an android phone. I almost wish they would because this half-in, half out mentality is an insult.
If I were in charge
1. I'd drop all OEMs who I can tell are not worth much. Or let them do whatever but stop caring about angering them. If rumors are true that Microsoft sort of handicapped lumias to give OEMs a chance that is the stupidest thing I've heard from a company. Why on earth would you limit/handicap your best selling product in the HOPES that the OEMs(who literally did nothing Pre-nokia or post nokia) will make a difference...they won't. And the choice has never been an issue.
2. Price the phones competitively instead of extravagantly. If Motorola and these Asian OEMs can release hardware at lowcost price with premium features then so can you. Especially when you make the software.
3. Release unlocked versions of the phones...so people who want to bypass carriers...can.
4. I'd enter into some type of agreement with the most sought after developers. given the money Microsoft has wasted in the years(Kin for example and the barnes and noble deal) i'd be working to offer cash in exchange for an agreement of at least supporting the app for a year or two AT LEAST. Kik, Snapchat and Instagram being 3.
5. I'd reevaluate my current team of employees and I'd personally change the dynamics of my company. It's obvious that Microsoft is changing...but not fast enough and they are still in that old school mentality.
The CEO change was needed but you need to get people who truly seem to live and love your product daily. Not people who have no problem flaunting they are using competitor products.
6. Work on releasing SOLID products instead of half-baked products. Microsoft probably COULD have figured a way to make WP 8 work on existing WP7 devices but they just didn't.
If you knew in 2 years time you were going to essentially restart the process in 2014 with Windows 10, then doesn't that mean you also knew probably that prior to WIndows Phone 8...these gaps are really not easily excused.
7. If you cant build a solid product(Xbox music/Groove music) buy it...It's obvious Microsoft struggles with Music and Video. So buy it...it's not like they have issues buying things.
8. Stop releasing the same exact hardware with small variations and choose a set stream lined family of products like apple does. The android method does nothing but confuses users(Pros and newbies...having to explain the difference between a 530, 532, 535, 540 is annoying).
9. More importantly, instead of creating NEW low end phones...continue selling current old phones. Instead of creating so many models, remember you still have good products.
A Lumia 920/925 could have easily became the new midrange instead of discontinuing it so soon.
Why do we need a Lumia 550 when we already have a Lumia 640.
The Lumia 1520 along with the Icon can then become the new 'mid rnage' or at least premium midrange.
Apple does this already with their older products. So does Samsung. HTC. LG. You can still buy their older models. You cant even buy a 1520 now.
10. Last but not least...Market your product.....and show faith that you believe in it. Microsoft shows little faith into Windows phone...they showed little faith into Metro instead of improving it, they butchered it into a modern windows 7(essentially regressing) for Windows 10.
Stand by your ideas and beliefs instead of constantly trying to change and conform if you want people to see you as a leader and not a me too.
Instead, this 'leader' in the desktop is essentially following and instead of differentiating to make an identity for themselves in mobile(and improving their strengths they already have), they decide to conform which doesn't give faith. It just says "Hey I want to fit in."