Microsoft Windows Phone: Are You Still Amongst the Rare Breed of Users?

Windows Phone 8.1 users, who are now part of a “rare” category, could now lose multiple functionality of the Redmond-based company’s personal digital assistant (PDA) Cortana. Here, it is worth noting that the older Windows Phone OS is slated to lose support and updates soon; the overall users of Windows Phone mobile operating system are expected to be lower than that of Apple’s iOS.

At this juncture, it is worth noting that Nokia which originally was part of the Windows Phone evolution has now switched platforms and new mobile devices (Nokia now belongs to HMD Global) and releases phones driven by Google’s Android operating platform. Now, a report by MSPowerUser and AllAboutWindowsPhone seemingly throws indications that the beginning of the end for Windows Phone 8.1 is here earlier than expected.

Also, the reports quote a screenshot of Cortana wherein a message indicating elimination of select functionality is displayed; and as per these, the timeline indicated is January 2019; however, it would be foolish to assume that Cortana itself would be done away with as this message also clearly states that there are some back-end improvements taking place. Hence, there could even be modifications and “substitutes” in place of the axed functionalities.

In case you are still amongst the “rare” Windows Phone 8.1 users, not having updated to Windows Phone 10; do let us know if you are able to see messages indicating an apparent maintenance mode of some Cortana functionality. At this instant in time, it is also worth noting that there could be a Microsoft Project Andromeda that is rumoured to be a smartphone-tablet hybrid.

This device was hinted at by renowned technology journalist Broad Sams through a book called Beneath A Surface that is said to contain references to Microsoft’s hardware plans in 2019 and this includes mentions about Project Andromeda; as well as updates to Redmond’s Xbox gaming devices.

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