For years now, the rumors of a Surface phone by Microsoft have been going around the tech space. But it seems that smartphone enthusiasts have to wait another year for the company to launch the Surface Phone.
Given that Microsoft already has laptops and tablets under the Surface brand, it makes sense for the company to extend the brand name to mobile phones as well.
Previous rumors have pointed that Microsoft is working on three Surface Phones, which will have different prices and specs to cater to all market segments.
Speculations are rife that the company will hold an event sometime in October where it will showcase a number of products, such as the Surface all-in-one device. However, the Surface Phone is not likely to be launched at the event.
A ZDNet report cites sources familiar with the matter and suggests that if the Surface Phone materializes, then customers should expect the handset to arrive “considerably later.” Although the report does not state how long customers will have to wait for the Surface Phone, rumors suggest that Microsoft may launch its smartphone line in fall 2017.
Microsoft planned to launch a Surface Phone in 2014 but due to component issues the company scrapped the plan.
Microsoft is also said to have planned to launch the Surface Phone in fall 2016, but Intel shut down all its mobile developments, which is believed to have delayed the Surface Phone to 2017.
The mobile OS market is dominated by bigwigs such as Android and iOS. According to an International Data Corporation (IDC) report, in 2016, the combined market share of iOS and Android was more than 99 percent. Windows Phone had a market share of 0.5 percent.
The disappointing market share of devices running on Windows Phone could be a reason that has made Microsoft shift its focus from the Surface Phone.
The company has not confirmed any detail about the Surface Phone and customers will have to wait before it reveals more information on its smartphones. Till then, rumors regarding the Surface Phone should be treated lightly.
