Microsoft Surface Phone release date in early 2017; will show off innovative features of Windows 10 mobile OS

(Microsoft)The Microsoft Surface Phone is expected to join the Surface Pro and the Surface Book by early 2017.

With the massive success of the Surface Pro devices, Microsoft is reportedly looking to release the Surface Phone to reinvigorate its smartphone business. While Microsoft has not confirmed the Surface Phone's development, the company has previously revealed that they are currently working on their next-generation products.

Reports suggest an early 2017 release date for the Microsoft Surface Phone. More specifically, it may be introduced sometime in April during the Build 2017 conference. The decision to release the smartphone next year is due to the development of the Windows 10 OS. Microsoft is still working on the Redstone 2 and Redstone 3 updates that will bring innovative features to their mobile operating system.

According to Windows and Devices Group executive vice president Terry Myerson, the company has plans to release a smartphone, but it will not be a priority for the company this 2016.

"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. There's no lack of recognition to realize how important that form factor is, but for Microsoft with Windows and for our platform it's the wrong place for us to lead," Myerson told The Verge.

It seems that for the time being, Microsoft will first work on optimizing the Windows 10 OS and its counterpart mobile operating system.

While its release may not be any time soon, its specs and features have already been largely reported on by various news outlets. There will reportedly be three different models — a consumer model, a business model, and a high-spec model. Reports also suggest that the Surface Phone will be powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 830 processor with up to 4 GB of RAM.

More information will surely come to light closer to its official launch next year.

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