Microsoft’s desperate effort to port its world-leading operating system into mobile devices is over, according to a Redmond executive. Joe Belfiore, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft’s Operating Systems Group, revealed Windows 10 Mobile – the company’s OS for smartphones and tablets – won’t receive further updates. Of course, security and bug fixes will still be developed. Remarkably, Belfiore even admitted ditching Windows 10 Mobile himself in favour of Android.
Windows 10 Mobile is Dead
Yesterday (8th October), a Twitter user asked Belfiore if Windows 10 Mobile is done. He responded:
(1/2) Depends who you are. Many companies still deploy to their employees and we will support them! … https://t.co/LKQBL3w7gA
— Joe Belfiore (@joebelfiore) October 8, 2017
(2/2) As an individual end-user, I switched platforms for the app/hw diversity. We will support those users too! Choose what's best 4 u. https://t.co/LKQBL3w7gA
— Joe Belfiore (@joebelfiore) October 8, 2017
Later, Belfiore lamented Windows 10 Mobile’s demise. In fact, he admitted Microsoft even wrote apps for developers to release. However, the small user base effectively neutered these efforts. He tweeted:
We have tried VERY HARD to incent app devs. Paid money.. wrote apps 4 them.. but volume of users is too low for most companies to invest. ☹️ https://t.co/ePsySxR3LB
— Joe Belfiore (@joebelfiore) October 8, 2017
The Death of Windows 10 Mobile – An Inevitability
Market intelligence saw this coming. Industry figures showed Windows 10 Mobile’s market performance as abysmal. Francisco Jeronimo, Research Director for European mobile devices at IDC, told the BBC:
“There wasn’t a wide range of devices running Windows 10 Mobile, so it wasn’t attractive to retailers or operators.
And from a consumer perspective, the operating system didn’t provide as good an experience as Android or iOS.”
Jeronimo also notes a shift in strategy since Satya Nadella took over as Microsoft CEO:
“Most Microsoft applications are now available and supported on other mobile operating systems.
After Satya Nadella took over, that clearly became the strategy – and after that happened what incentive was there to buy a Windows-powered phone?”
Thanks, Bill Gates
Honestly, Microsoft founder Bill Gates all but confirmed the death of Windows 10 Mobiles two weeks ago. Late last month, Gates conceded that he recently became an Android user. However, he countered by insisting he used many Microsoft apps on his Android device. Owning an Apple device, though, is a step too far for Gates. When asked about his secondary advice, he responded:
“No, no iPhone.”
