Microsoft Says Windows Phone Isn't Its Focus This Year

There were Android smartphones and iPhone handsets to be seen at Microsoft's developer conference Build 2016 on Wednesday, but surprisingly, company's own Windows Phone or Windows 10 Mobile handsets were completely out of the picture. The company also chose not to share any development it has been working on to improve the receding status of Windows Phone. There's a reason for this: Windows Phone isn't Microsoft's focus this year.

On day one of Build 2016, Microsoft announced tools for developers to make or port Win32, .Net, Xbox One, Surface Hub apps for Windows Store. The company, however, didn't share any update on Windows Bridges, the developer toolset to allow developers to port their Android, iOS, and Web apps to Windows Store. Speaking with The Verge, Microsoft Senior Vice President Terry Myerson explained why that was the case.

Myerson says Windows Phone is currently not the platform Microsoft is focusing on. In fact, the company doesn't plan to focus on its mobile operating system this entire year. But Windows chief insists that he is committed to the platform. "We're fully committed to that 4-inch screen, there will be a time for it to be our focus, but right now it's part of the family but it's not the core of where I hope to generate developer interest over the next year," explained Myerson.

"There's no lack of recognition to realise how important that form factor is, but for Microsoft with Windows and for our platform it's the wrong place for us to lead. [...] If you wanted to reach a lot of phone customers, Windows Phone isn't the way to do it."

The market share for Windows Phone continues to see a decline, hitting new low with each quarter. With nothing exciting happening with Windows Phone (or Windows 10 Mobile) this year, the platform might not have much left when it does get its share of attention from the company.