Is Microsoft Abandoning Windows Phone?

Last week Microsoft released a new wearable fitness device rather blandly named “The Microsoft Band“.  Surprisingly enough it’s getting good reviews as both a fitness device and a wearable smartphone extension.  But under the covers of the sudden success is a more troubling question for Windows mobile developers.  Following in the footsteps of the Office mobile apps, Microsoft has released the device with Microsoft Health app for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.  While the app offers somewhat more functionality when used with Windows Phone including Cortana access, Microsoft is clearly hedging its bets.  With executives promising fewer versions of Windows operating systems, everybody is assuming that Windows RT will be the one to go, but what if that’s not the case?

Another disturbing omen is the focus on low cost “Affordable Flagship” phone from what was once Nokia, to say nothing of laying off 14,000 employees mostly from their devices division.  It would seem that the new Satya Nadella led Microsoft has lost faith in their ability to compete in the smartphone market.  In the recent past many developers have been burned by Microsoft’s sudden technology reversals (Silverlight anyone?), is it possible that Windows Phone is next on the chopping block?

What do you think?  Vote in the poll below and hit the comments link to tell us if you think its end of days for Windows Phone or if their best days are still ahead.

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