Windows 10 mobile became generally available in March 2016 when Microsoft rolled out its new operating system Windows 10. A successor to the loved Windows Phone 8.1. But Windows phone[mobile] didn’t really get the traction in the mostly iOS and Android dominated world. It didn’t do more than 3% market share at its peak. Forcing new Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to write it off eventually.
With the OS product lifecycle in view, Microsoft is advising current owners and users of its Windows 10 Mobile to move on. From December 10th 2019, users will not recieve new security updates and any kind of device support. New feature updates for Windows 10 Mobile ended a season ago, so that has been a while.
“We recommend that customers move to a supported Android or iOS device”
Microsoft to end support for Windows 10 Mobile.
“Windows 10 Mobile users are no longer eligible to receive new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free assisted support options, or online technical content updates from Microsoft for free. [Enterprise users will pay for these services if they decide to hold on]
Microsoft support will not publicly provide updates or patches for Windows 10 Mobile. 10 Mobile.
Only device models that are eligible for Windows 10 Mobile, version 1709 are supported through the end date. For Lumia 640 and 640 XL phone models, Window 10 Mobile version 1703 was the last supported OS version and will reach end of support on June 11th, 2019.”
Also some services like photo uploads and device backup restore may continue to work for another 12 months.
What Next?
“We recommend that customers move to a supported Android or iOS device. Microsoft’s mission statement to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, compels us to support our Mobile apps on those platforms and devices.”
What we know!
Satya Nadella didn’t say Microsoft will not be venturing into phones in the future. Rather he has continually spoken about the mobility of Windows OS which includes mobile devices. He has specifically said this about devices;
“Microsoft devices will spark innovation, create new categories and generate opportunity for the Windows ecosystem more broadly. Our reinvention will be centered on creating mobility of experiences across the entire device family including phones.”
To us this means until Microsoft has something revolutionary that disrupts the mobile ecosystem. Yup much like Microsoft Surface. You can read Mary Jo Foley’s chat with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella about Microsoft’s mobile ambitions. Or read Paul Thurrott thoughts on what Satya Nadell (really) said about Windows Phone.
On a personal note i’ve been asking what next and where next. Having moved from the Microsoft Lumia 950XL to the Microsoft Lumia 950 in the past year i guess it is time to move on. What are our thoughts? share them with us.
Leave a Reply