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Microsoft's 'Andromeda' Surface Phone is going back to the drawing board

The Surface Phone is apparently not yet ready for primetime. (Source: Phone Arena)
The Surface Phone is apparently not yet ready for primetime. (Source: Phone Arena)
Prominent Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley has learnt that Microsoft is still working out the nitty-gritty of the long-rumored Surface Phone or 'Andromeda' device, whose leaks and renders have been doing the rounds on the Internet. The delay in launching the device is apparently being attributed to the unfinished state of the 'Andromeda' shell and other quality and scheduling issues.

Renders and leaks of Microsoft's phoenix device, the Surface Phone aka 'Andromeda' device have been a staple of the media since the past year but it looks like fans of the mythical device might have to temper their expectations a bit more longer. ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley has managed to scoop up some inside information, which apparently implies that the 'Surface Phone' is not yet ready for primetime and Microsoft's engineers are back at the drawing board.

This comes as a surprise as only recently, The Verge had managed to access a leaked internal Microsoft email that talks of a 'new and disruptive' device category that can 'create a truly personal and versatile computing experience'. According to Mary Jo's sources, the problem is with respect to the 'Andromeda' bits that were originally supposed to ship with Windows 10 'Redstone 5' sometime in October 2018. In case you are unfamiliar, 'Andromeda' is one of the many composable shells or CShells that will adapt to the device being used. Apparently, 'Andromeda' is still not up to mark to power the rumored dual-screen operating modes of the Surface Phone. Also, the 'Andromeda' shell can only run Store apps, which are still limited at the moment and it seems that the internal discussion is that there is no pressing need in the market for a dual-screen foldable Windows device that can also do telephony. The likely debut price of the product also could be a cause for concern. 

Mary Jo, however, does believe that the project is not completely off the shelf and that it is only being deferred to a later date. So while the waiting game continues, Microsoft would be foolhardy to not ride on the Surface Phone's hype and capitalize on it. The company is known for creating disruptive products such as the HoloLens, Surface Hub, and Surface Studio so there's still hope for Windows die-hards who have been waiting for resurrection of Microsoft's mobile efforts.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2018 07 > Microsoft's 'Andromeda' Surface Phone is going back to the drawing board
Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 2018-07- 5 (Update: 2018-07- 5)