Why Microsoft Should Revive Windows Mobile?

Photo by Vincent Battault on Unsplash

You might have seen the news this week that Microsoft have ordered their employees to use iPhone due to security threats in China. This is the same company that wants to use Copilot machines to spy on you, but never mind that.

Isn’t it time…Microsoft developed their own mobile platform?

Why it’s a Big Deal

Microsoft Authenticator will only be available on Apple’s App Store in China, stopping Microsoft employees from accessing such wonderful software as Teams.

So, Microsoft told employees in China and Hong Kong to drop into the office and replace their Huawei and Xiaomi devices with Apple’s finest.

Imagine if Microsoft Had Their Own Platform?

Microsoft, for the kids out there, had their own platform. Windows 10 Mobile yet Microsoft “did a Google” and killed it in 2020.

Don’t worry, they had already “did a Microsoft” by rushing the O/S in the first place and releasing it half-baked and late to a market dominated by Apple.

People loved the impressive design and user interface, but that was insufficient in the face of corporate mismanagement.

The time is right for Microsoft to necro Windows phone and the entire vision.

Let’s work on this right here, right now.

The Return to Mobile

If we fantasize the time is right for Microsoft to return to mobile, here is how they can do it.

Leverage Their Ecosystem

Microsoft has a number of platforms in play. Surely they could integrate them and provide a unified experience?

Sure, the Xbox failure says they will never be able to do that, but here is hoping.

Focus on Security

This article has been brought about by the issue that for mobiles with security there is only one game in town: iPhone. Competition in this area would give Microsoft a USP (since iPhone isn’t all that in terms of security). What if they built the thing in the US too?

Developer Support

Windows Mobile struggled to get apps in the past. Developer support isn’t quite the central discussion point it once was, but developer support should still be pursued. This means providing easy-to-use tools, comprehensive documentation, and financial incentives to develop for the new platform.

Design

We all loved Metro! Bring it back, and we’re all good.

Experience

Maybe I’m just influenced by that time Microsoft gave me a free Lumia at a meetup, but I’d love Microsoft to come back to this market. It’s time, surely?

Conclusion

Security is a big deal these days, with AI and whatnot. It’s really surprising the field has been left to Apple, with Android unable to offer a real secure offering.

Surely, it’s time for change, and change in this case should be a throwback to the past. Bring Back Windows Mobile!