Microsoft finally killing off Windows smartphones

After struggling to sell Windows smartphones as Google’s Android and Apple iOS Operating Systems (OS) surged ahead, Microsoft has finally admitted that it will no longer develop new features or hardware for Windows 10 mobile phones.

In a series of tweets, Joe Belfiore, corporate vice-president for Windows 10 at Microsoft, said that the Windows OS will only help with bug fixes and security updates for existing users.

“Of course we’ll continue to support the platform.. bug fixes, security updates. But building new features/hw [hardware] aren’t the focus,” Mr. Belfiore tweeted. The devices that use Windows OS are HP Elite x3, Microsoft Lumia 950 XL, Microsoft Lumia 950 and Nokia Lumia 930, among others. “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,” Mr. Belfiore posted.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has already stopped using the Windows phone.

HP Inc is also halting production of its flagship Windows handset. HP Inc recently admitted that it will not add any new handset to its existing “Elite” Windows smartphone line-up.

According to market research firm Kantar, Windows phones account for just 1.3% of the market — down from 2.4% last year — in the U.S.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/microsoft-finally-killing-off-windows-smartphones/article19831324.ece