In a decisive one-two punch, Microsoft has ended its Lumia line of smartphones and focused Windows 10 Mobile on the enterprise.
Of course, we knew the Lumia 650 would be Redmond's last Lumia. That, however, is little consolation for Windows phone fans. Since Lumia comprised over 90% of the Windows phone market, Microsoft's clearing of its inventory will make finding an affordable Windows phone even more difficult as time goes on. The pickings are indeed very thin. In truth, buying a Windows Phone has never been as easy as picking up an iPhone or Android phone. The combination of limited carrier support and biased and unknowledgeable sales associates can be credited in part for this dilemma.
iPhone and Android phone users who want a new phone have tangible and accessible options on all carriers that can satisfy their desire. It's just a matter of walking into a carrier store and walking out with what you want. In contrast, the whims of a Windows phone fan are often pinned on the hope of what will or may be available at some point in the future. And that's ok for many enthusiasts since the love of the platform and user experience often trumps the need for whatever may be missing.
That said, as indecipherable as some have deemed Microsoft's mobile strategy users could always count on some first-party device and a commitment to the OS that included consumers. Neither of these is true at present. President of Microsoft France Vahe Torossian, recently put it this way:
"We have a special position in the mobile today, focusing on the company, but we are working on the next big thing?"During this time of transition, our attention will focus on the professional market."
Redmond's decision to forgo a first-party phone presumably until the anticipated Surface phone in late 2017 or early 2018, though strategically sound, leaves Microsoft without a first-party presence for a year or more. Combined with the focusing of Windows Mobile solely on the enterprise Microsoft's future relevance in mobile is at risk. The consumer market is the voice that dictate's mobile relevance. Sadly, Microsoft isn't giving them anything to talk about.
Full story from the WindowsCentral blog...
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