We continue to hear whisperings of a Surface phone, despite the fact that Microsoft has pretty much flat out denied its existence at every turn. They have said they are interested in more hardware going forward, but so far that doesn’t include phones.
The idea of a Surface phone is to give Microsoft something as a premium reference device for its manufacturer partners to follow, it also gives it something to compete directly against Nexus devices and the iPhone.
It isn’t happening anytime soon though, unless Microsoft is trying to slip one by us. Earlier today, Microsoft’s senior marketing manager for Windows Phone, Casey McGee said there is no need for a Surface phone because of their super-close relationship with Nokia and its Lumia devices.
McGee states the companies are so close that the Lumia series “feels like our child too”. Microsoft also mentioned that they have some say in the way that flagship Lumia devices are created, including access to hardware early.
Microsoft even hinted that even if Nokia doesn’t agree with one of Microsoft’s design ideas, they usually go with it without much fight. Microsoft continues to be happy with the relationship with Nokia, and “the ability to influence what [Nokia is] doing.” He also mentions that they might have similar close control with other phone partners as well, as hinted further, “We enjoy having the variety that we do. We are so close to the process that it feels like our child too. Especially with Nokia”.
Part of me thinks that Microsoft should just let Nokia continue to do things as they are. Another part of me thinks the idea of a Surface phone isn’t a bad one. Ultimately, I’d like to see a Surface phone series that is more like the Nexus – commissioned by Microsoft’s specification, but built by a hardware partner.
Microsoft could even have their own direct design engineers involved in such a project. This would not only help with brand image by creating a “Microsoft phone” but it would please Nokia Lumia fans as well, even if the co-designed phone didn’t have Lumia branding at all.
What do you think, should Microsoft change up their hardware relationship with Windows Phone 8 or leave things as they lie?
All Comments
I personally think a surface phone would be a stellar idea. the fact that we have the nokia lumia series is nice, but with a metallic looking Microsoft phone, solid build, internal battery, quad core with an unbeatable camera would sell this phone. I am a huge fan of what nokia is doing but honestly the karl zuess camera isn’t all that great except for low lighting conditions. and the camera is what I had to use to sell the phone to my wife because she was too afraid of the WP8 experience. now that she has the 822 she loves it. and as for myself I have the htc 8x and love the phone. but what would be more the supporting the flagship devise. this would change the game for Microsoft. equip it with the same magnesium casing that they use in the surface and omg a solid devise. they would be stupid not to market this idea, unless the are putting all faith in nokia. apple has iphone and google has nexus, come on Microsoft do it..
I love my lumia and I believe its best for Nokia to pave the way for WP. Yes I know htc and samsung have phones as well but Nokia seems to be the most supportive of the OS. A surface phone could break the partnership between them (Unless Nokia makes a phone called the surface phone)
Nokia Lumia Windows Phones are stellar smartphones, but nowadays consumers want a direct relationship with their hardware manufacturers. They want to walk into a store and buy a product from them knowing that they will provide full support for it. The problem today is that consumers have to jump through hoops seeking help once their smartphones breakdown, specially for non iPhones.