Part of me wants to write a really long response. The other part of me wants to just write this and leave it at that. Alright,
No one is quite certain what Microsoft's end goal is. All we know is that Microsoft is a business and a business survives on profits. Windows Mobile has never been profitable for Microsoft, so it isn't feasible for Microsoft to continue to invest in Windows Mobile unless they had some endgame in mind. All we can say for certain is that Microsoft is terrible at communicating. Google and Apple have never had problems connecting with their consumer audience through whatever means necessary, even if it means coming clean and admitting mistakes. Microsoft is still struggling to push forward into a modern world that requires a more mobile, open-minded company to survive at the top. The job cuts and Microsoft's valiant attempts to move into social media and creating communities like the Windows Insider program are all testimonies to this plan. I just hope that open and honest communication are at the end of those plans. We'll have to see at Build 2017 if Microsoft has learned anything from their failings and mistakes over the last few years.
As far as Windows 10 Mobile goes, Microsoft clearly hasn't given up on it completely. Like I said before, Microsoft wouldn't continue to invest any money in a platform that will never prove profitable (however small those investments might be) unless they had an objective in mind. Microsoft has made clear and concise efforts to unify the traditionally clunky, complicated and powerful desktop software that has quickly been fading from relevance in this modern, fast-paced technology focused world with their failing, often forgotten Mobile solution in order to create what Microsoft hopes will become the "next big thing." If it'll work is not for any individual to say, and depends entirely on the steps Microsoft makes to patch relations with consumers they've burned in the past, the way they bring their product to the rest of the world, and how Microsoft handles further development.
Obviously, I've thrown my lot in with Microsoft. Not because I "know" it'll become the "next big thing" or because I think iOS and Android are things of the past. It's because Windows 10 works for me and it works really, really well. It's always becoming better and I like the direction it's heading in. It's far from perfect, especially Windows 10 Mobile, but my Surface Pro 4 and Lumia 950 XL make a great combination that I will continue to use until it becomes clear that there is a superior alternative out there. Maybe Microsoft is making a huge mistake with a unified OS, and the costs of OneCore and UWP will eventually be Microsoft downfall. Maybe Microsoft is destined to fade into the background, only being relevant at the far end of the power user spectrum where the power of Win32 is necessary. And maybe Microsoft's past mistakes with Mobile means it's already too late. But right now Windows 10 is a fantastic operating system and I can actually recommend Windows 10 Mobile to someone like me, who doesn't need the latest and fanciest apps or a new phone released every three weeks. It's stable and fast, it has a good feature set that means I'm able to do everything I need to do and can still show off a little to my friends, and it looks great. Yes, I want RS3 to bring CShell, Continuum improvements, Night Light, custom Accent Colors, better landscape support (like the Start Screen), split-screen and more powerful multi-tasking tools (like a Close All button, etc.), more effective power options (like using Cortana, or a Restart button when you hold down the power button), an improved Action Center. I want all those things and more. There's so much I would change and add to Windows 10 Mobile if I had the opportunity. And I kind of do with the Windows Insider Program. But that's all any of us have. All we can do is submit our feedback and hope Microsoft is smart enough to realize that we still care and we will still invest if they're willing to. They've made Mobile a part of their Windows vision, but can they follow through?
What I'm trying to say is that I like where Microsoft is right now. It is already a far better company than it was just five to ten years ago. It's come so far to be more open and friendly with people. But it's still a business, which means we have to be prepared if Microsoft's plans don't work out like we want them too. And Microsoft needs to be aware that if it doesn't play its cards perfectly, then they will lose their biggest advantages.
) love Lumia series and looking forward for surface phones and still want to buy if Microsoft will ever launch it. Yes, I agree that Microsoft have had some wrong decisions for its Mobile division but I still enjoy using Windows Phone. I seriously love my phone and I'll never quit using it even if is outdated or company will restrict the support.
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