There is no denying the strength and staying power of Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and it’s software. The software has long been the companies strongest feature and most valuable product. Their operating system is still used by the majority of computers running today. But what about the Microsoft Surface Phone?
The company is currently moving in an interesting direction. Despite long standing failures in the smartphone world Microsoft recently acquired Nokia as an attempt to dig deeper and land higher in the smartphone market.
But up till now this too has seemed like a rather public failure. In an attempt to make good on their dream to conquer the smartphone industry rumors are swirling about the possible release of a Microsoft Surface Phone. Could this be the smartphone Microsoft users have been waiting for?
Microsoft Surface Phone Rumors
Rumors surrounding a possible Surface Phone have been reignited when a tweet from Microsoft Australia showed they are developing a new surface device. The controversial tweet was later deleted by the twitter accounts moderator. But before the tweet could be taken down many were able to see the promotional image with the caption, “New One in Surface family.”
Giving the phone a presumed edge over the iPhone and current Android models is the its ability to run Win32 Apps on the device. This is revolutionary for Microsoft users as it would allow the surface phone to run the same legacy Windows programs as are being run on desktop devices. It is expected this change will draw a massive amount of new users who previously used Android.
There have been conflicting reports but the majority agree the Surface Phone will feature a 5.7-inch touchscreen with 2K resolution. The phone is reported to come with ample amounts of RAM and lots of local storage. This will all be useful since the device is also expected to use 20 megapixel rear facing camera which utilizes a sleek Carl Zeiss lens.
Unlike the recent updates to iOS software and the new iPhone 7, the Surface Phone is expected to be the most secure device available according to Trusted Reviews.
There has been much speculation the phone will be released by the end of 2016. But as the weeks drag on this seems more and more unlikely. Alternate reports state the release is being pushed back and according to Mobile & Apps, the device will receive a March 2017 release.
Microsoft Surface Phone Leaks
Similar to the current Surface devices, leaked images suggest the Surface Phone will feature a keyboard cover. This allows users to type in a simple and stylish manner while not sacrificing the smartphone design.
A Snapdragon 830 processor will power the device and it’s complex finger print reader. The tech titan recently placed a new patent on what they are calling the “Fingerprint Detection with Transparent Cover.” What makes this patent special is that the sensor is built into the display. Most smartphones require a separate surface or button designated specifically for fingerprint detection.
Reports suggest Microsoft will be releasing the phone with several different storage sizes . The base model of the Surface Phone is reported to come with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, while a mid-range device will offer 6GB RAM and 128GB storage.
Microsoft Surface Phone Specs
According to reports from iTechPost in addition to the Snapdragon 830 processor the device will feature an a Kaby Lake processor as well. The device will run Windows 10 Redstone operating system which should give it fighting power against iOS devices.
It is well known that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has long desired to reposition the company as one specializing in productivity. Taking this into consideration users should expect even more user friendly updates and redesigns. The plan of stealing Apple users and getting them hooked on Microsofts highly productive products is a million dollar idea but the implementation of such a plan is easier said than done.
Overall the strong suggestion we may be receiving a true Microsoft Surface Phone is exciting. The company long ago proved itself as a software giant. We are now eager to watch and see if the titan can make a clean transition into the mobile phone industry or if it will freeze and crash like Windows 98.