Steve Ballmer issued a letter to shareholders today that hinted that Microsoft would be more focused on releasing hardware in the future, like they have with the XBox and soon to be released Surface tablet.
There was no direct indication that MS would be releasing a phone in the future, it sure feels like that from some of the statements in the letter. I think there is more smoke building that will eventually lead to the surface phone fire.
This is just one quote from the letter that indicates their desire to make more hardware of their own:
Here is the letter itself:
Shareholder Letter
Verge article:
Ballmer to Microsoft shareholders: 'a fundamental shift [is] underway in our business' | The Verge
There was no direct indication that MS would be releasing a phone in the future, it sure feels like that from some of the statements in the letter. I think there is more smoke building that will eventually lead to the surface phone fire.
This is just one quote from the letter that indicates their desire to make more hardware of their own:
Although Ballmer says Microsoft will continue to work with its loyal partners on Windows PCs, tablets, and phones, the software maker is clearly positioning itself as one that can also deliver premium hardware experiences of its own. "There will be times when we build specific devices for specific purposes," explains Ballmer. "In all our work with partners and on our own devices, we will focus relentlessly on delivering delightful, seamless experiences across hardware, software and services."
Here is the letter itself:
Shareholder Letter
Verge article:
Ballmer to Microsoft shareholders: 'a fundamental shift [is] underway in our business' | The Verge