All those using devices running the Windows Phone OS have been asked by Microsoft to start thinking about switching to Android or iOS smartphones in 2019.
From December 10, 2019, the company is shutting down its security support for the last Windows Phone version. This has been mentioned by Microsoft on its Lifecycle FAQ page for device operating system.
This page has been updated on 14 January, 2019, looking to answer the doubts of existing Windows Phone device users across the globe. Windows Phone’s demise has been long time coming and it was a matter of time before the platform shut shop.
Windows Phone, as we all know, was part of Microsoft’s plan to push the Windows ecosystem for mobile, with the help of Nokia and its Lumia range of phones. But with the rise of Android and iOS, the platform didn’t appeal to developers as well as consumers.
Windows 10 Mobile, version 1709 (released October 2017) is the last release of Windows 10 Mobile and Microsoft will end support on December 10, 2019. The end of support date applies to all Windows 10 Mobile products, including Windows 10 Mobile and Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise.Microsoft Windows Phone support
This is probably the last nail in Microsoft’s coffin, as far as consumer-centric devices are concerned. Ever since Satya Nadella took over the reigns at Microsoft, we’ve seen the company focusing on businesses where it is making money and shutting down Windows Phone was likely to be a big part of his clean up mission.
The platform has received mixed responses over the years, but interest started waning when popular apps like WhatsApp stopped offering regular updates for Windows users.
Instead of phones, Microsoft has shown its hardware intent with the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop and the Surface Book series recently. When it comes to services, it has tweaked most of its products to work with Android and iOS platforms now.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)