2017 could be the year of the Microsoft Surface Phone
Microsoft’s interest in building a Surface Phone has been the stuff of legends for a long time, with proponents and detractors offering their own take on whether Microsoft should, will, or won’t ultimately create a premium smartphone.
As of late, rumors have it that the device has already reached higher stages of design, with claims of a possible release by 2017.
The unofficial, but most solid whisper at this stage is that the Lumia 650 will be the last of its kind, to be replaced by a smartphone that is more in line with the Surface line-up, and built by the same team in charge of the Surface Pro and Surface Book, under Panos Panay’s direction.
As we have contented many times, A Surface Phone is the logical step in Microsoft’s strategy, and consolidation of the Surface brand. By closing the loop and eliminating confusing side-brands like Lumia, Microsoft would finally begin to strengthen its position against Apple, by providing a cohesive lineup that would encourage consumers to see Microsoft Surface products as premium devices with a higher level of refinement, and offering a consistent experience.
What do we know about the Surface Phone
According to Windows Central, Microsoft Surface Phone will be offered in as many as three configurations targeted at consumers, business and power-users.
While no details have been provided so far, the difference between each version of the Surface Phone will be most likely in terms of processing speed, storage size and graphic performance, in line with concurrent devices like the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy S and Note, and LG premium devices. With that said, the iPhone is the real competitor of choice, as argued by Windows Central, due to the fact that Android has already flooded the market with low-end devices, especially in China and other emerging markets. By this token, a Microsoft Surface Phone will have to be a premium device, with premium features.
Prosumer Surface Phone
The power-user version of the Surface Phone will be perhaps the most interesting one in this, still speculated, lineup. Prosumer / Enthusiast options can go in all sorts of directions, with features like desktop-class processing and specs, and the ability to connect to external displays without the Surface Dock.
One thing that’s important is how well the new device can work with existing Surface devices, like the Surface Book and Surface Pro, as well as experimental devices like HoloLens, which will be closing in to a front-and-center stage with gamers, by 2017.
Wacom’s Universal Pen Framework and the Surface Phone
Another tidbit of information surrounding the Surface Phone, is the rumored support for the Surface Pen. In this regard, it’s very possible that by the time the Surface Phone becomes reality, Microsoft and Wacom will narrow down their talked about Universal Pen Framework, which will make support of the Surface Pen universal across all Surface devices, as well as any other device using the standard.