Microsoft to streamline phone releases to six a year

Looks like things are changing fast for Microsoft, as they’ve declared that they are going to be focusing on a new phone release strategy in relation to the cutting of 7,800 employees in its mobile division. The company will now be producing only three types of devices, flagships, business and value phones, according to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

If this is true, its likely that we will only be seeing six new Lumia models per year, with two new ones per each of the aforementioned categories. This year Microsoft had already launched six smartphones, the Lumia 435, Lumia 532, Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL, Lumia 430 and the Lumia 540 Dual, but the new strategy is likely to only launch next year so we are probably going to see more launches to come.

Also, Windows 10 Mobile is just around the corner, set for a September launch so they’re likely to push out some new phones along with it at the very least. This phone is rumoured to be the Lumia 940 but there’s no concrete evidence for now.

But the question remains, does this mean Microsoft is moving away from hardware to focus more on software as it traditionally has?

[VIA][SOURCE]