Microsoft Surface
Panos Panay, Corporate Vice President for Surface Computing demonstrates the new Microsoft Surface Studio computer at a live event in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S.,October 26, 2016. Reuters/Lucas Jackson

If latest reports are to be believed, the Windows-powered Microsoft Surface Phone could be cancelled, owing to the poor performance of the Windows platform. Reports about the highly-anticipated device have been making rounds for quite some time now. However, the latest reports on device cancellation have naturally filled fans with utter disappointment. Microsoft, of course, hasn’t confirmed anything yet and that is a good thing, as it will keep hopes alive. If Microsoft loses hope in its Windows Phone, the Surface Phone may never see light of the day.

According to Tech Times, a report by Gartner has revealed that sales of Windows devices have been almost non-existent in the fourth quarter of 2016. Windows mobile OS accounted for only 0.3 percent share of the total smartphone sales during the fourth quarter. This is a clear sign of the death of Windows mobile operating system. This seriously puts the Microsoft Surface Phone at risk. There have also been reports of Microsoft discontinuing Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL.

Thus, things look very bleak at the moment for Surface Phone because of the dismal performance of the Widows-powered phones. Microsoft could first aim to maximise sales of Window-powered phones and then think of a Surface Phone possibility. However, fans are still hoping against hope, keeping in mind Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s words, who confirmed in 2016 that the company has started working on a revolutionary mobile device. Everybody thought of this as the Microsoft Surface Phone.

Nadella also hinted at innovative research that could boost the alleged Surface Phone’s presence in the smartphone market. As a counterview, certain tech experts and Surface fans have pointed out that the Microsoft Surface Phone could be the company’s best shot at reviving its smartphone business. Interest in the device has been overwhelming and it will be as shock to many if Microsoft does not come up with the device. The phone can seriously help the company to revive its depleting fortunes.

Originally it was thought that the Microsoft Surface Phone will look very much like Surface tablet with a squared metallic design. It may also have a screen similar to the Nokia Lumia XL. Fans believe that the device will come in three variants, one for the consumer and the other two for business professionals and enterprises. There is a possibility that the Surface Phone will be more enterprise-oriented than previously thought, if it comes out at all. Certain unconfirmed reports speculated a 5.5-inch HD display with 1,440 x 2,560 pixels resolution.