Surface Phone: Microsoft working on breakthrough Windows mobile

Microsoft CMO hints at development of breakthrough Surface Phone running Windows 10 mobile

Microsoft CMO Chris Capossella has confirmed development of breakthrough Surface handset from the company. At a podcast interview, Capossela spoke about Surface branded handset.

During the interview, Capossela hinted at the development of Surface branded phone and he calls it breakthrough device for Windows 10 Mobile ecosystem. He also called it the equivalent of the Windows Surface tablet, which could be a hint at more Continuum features.

Microsoft has been struggling in the mobile space since the launch Windows Phone 7. The addition of basic features have been slow and app developers have never been forthcoming about the OS. Till now, Instagram Beta on Windows Phone doesn’t even show verified profiles.

While Capossela has confirmed the development, the device doesn’t seem to be coming out anytime soon. Surface Phone has been leaked before too with Evan Blass revealing the slow development of mystery device earlier.

Also read: Microsoft Outlook hacked following Gmail block in China

Microsoft recently announced the launch of Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL in India at a price that were in line with the pricing of Google’s flagship Nexus 6P. With Surface business turning profitable, it makes more sense than ever before for Redmond to launch Surface-branded Windows 10 mobile device.

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Farewell Days for Microsoft XP

Microsoft announced a deadline for Microsoft XP users to change their PCs from XP to other operating systems. Even they announced an offer of $100 off on upgrade through Microsoft website or store. Microsoft Corporation is sweetening the pot for owners of Windows XP computers to upgrade their PCs.

They are offering $100 off when you buy a Surface or select PCs over $599 from the Microsoft website or store. On April 8, support for XP ends. This means that there will be no more updates, patches, or technical support for the operating system rendering XP computers insecure.

History of Microsoft XP

Windows XP was initially released in 2001, and Microsoft has been trying to mothball Windows XP since originally setting the end-of-life date for January 31, 2009. Many computer users are using this software from the years as it is that much reliable and soft on computers.

One of the issues with upgrading the operating system for a Windows XP computer is that the hardware may not be able to run the newer operating systems. There are other options out there including purchasing an Apple computer, a Google based Chromebook, the iOS, Microsoft, or Android tablets, or installing one of the LINUX based operating systems like Ubuntu.

If not upgraded from Microsoft XP?

It is strongly suggested that you move off of Windows XP before April 8. However, if you choose to stay with Windows XP, we suggest you do the following:

Update your anti-malware/anti-virus software.

Microsoft does have a free program called Microsoft Security Essentials.

However, Microsoft will stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP     on April 8. They will continue to release antimalware signature updates for a limited time.

Use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or other third party web browser. The newer versions of Internet Explorer will not work with Windows XP. Google has announced that they will support Chrome on Windows XP until April 2015.

It must be noted that even with these steps, you will not be secure as the core operating system will have vulnerabilities.

Here’s some details on the Microsoft deal that also includes 90 days of free support and free data transfer from your Windows XP computer:

The offer is valid 3/20/2014 until 6/15/2014, or while supplies last. Available in select Microsoft retail and online stores in US (including Puerto Rico) and Canada. Offer applies to customers who make online purchase(s) with a qualifying Windows XP device or customer who present a qualifying Windows XP device during purchase(s) in-store only. Offer valid on select PC or Surface devices priced $599 or more. Excludes Surface 2 and some PCs. Not valid on prior orders or purchases; cannot be transferred or otherwise redeemed for cash or gift cards. Not combinable with other offers. Price discount does not include taxes, shipping or other fees. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Microsoft reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers at any time. Limit 1 per device.

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