While the PC version of Windows 10 has been out for many months now, availability of its mobile counterpart has so far been little more than a trickle. Still, a number of information leaks have hinted at how Windows 10 Mobile could be further rolled out over the next few weeks.
Why Windows 10 Mobile?
It’s fair to say that, when mulling over what new phone to buy, few people will seriously consider a Windows 10 Mobile handset. That’s unsurprising, considering that the operating system’s app ecosystem is lacking and unlikely to hugely improve in the foreseeable future. However, some people could still appreciate how seamlessly a Windows phone could integrate with their Windows PC.
Furthermore, Microsoft claims that it will add further features to Windows 10 Mobile until 1 September 2018 – while regular security updates can be realistically expected beyond that date. Plus, updates other than to firmware will not require authorization by wireless carriers. This will hand Windows 10 Mobile phones a support lifecycle much more generous in length than that given for most Android devices.
Windows 10 Mobile devices – a sample of present and future
The operating system made its debut late last year, when Microsoft released three Lumia devices: the high-end Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL and budget Lumia 550. But what if you’ve already got a Microsoft phone and don’t yet want to buy a new one?
Well, you might not have to – as the Redmond firm says that the Lumia 430, Lumia 435, Lumia 532, Lumia 535, Lumia 540, Lumia 635 (1GB RAM), Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL, Lumia 735, Lumia 830, and Lumia 930 will all get updates to Windows 10 Mobile. The company also says it is “working hard to make Windows 10 available for other Lumia devices”, though what exact Lumia devices remains a mystery.
How the update timetable could shape up
It’s similarly a mystery when the update will become widely available around the world; however, the roll-out could currently be underway. WMPoweruser reports evidence that the update has been increasingly issued for Lumia 535 devices in Egypt and Jordan. Still, Microsoft has not yet made any official announcement of expanded availability for the update, and might resist doing so until Lumia owners in various global territories are already receiving update notifications.
Third party companies haven’t exactly rushed to make Windows 10 Mobile devices, meaning that Microsoft’s Lumia devices – and, if rumors are correct, a future Surface phone – will probably most warrant your consideration if you’re looking for a good Windows 10 Mobile handset. However, some other rumors hint that HP might soon add to your choice with a impressively-specced phablet that could be monikered the HP Elite x3. So, is Windows really out of the mobile race? Don’t count on it…