Windows 10 Mobile Coming In December

By Seth Colaner
published

During our coverage this week of Microsoft's many announcements, including the one concerning the new Lumia 950 and 950 XL flagship smartphones, a Microsoft representative informed us that the two phones were coming in November. More importantly, we were told that the mobile variant of Windows 10 would begin rolling out to other devices in November, too.

However, the latest information we have from Microsoft is that both the phones and the OS rollout won't come until December.

The official word is that the mobile version of Windows 10 will "begin" rolling out in December, so that means it's likely that even if you have a handset that supports Windows 10, you may still have to wait in line. Presumably, which handset you have and what region you live in could impact when that rollout comes. (Here's hoping for a complete rollout by Christmas. Salut!)

It's also worth pointing out that Microsoft's nomenclature appears to have shifted. For a while, company reps were calling the mobile version of the new OS "Windows 10 Mobile." Now, they're saying either "Windows 10 for phones" (with "phones" in lowercase on purpose) or simply "Windows 10" (which is an erroneous designation, quite frankly).

Whatever Microsoft ends up calling it officially (just let us know, guys), the polished version won't be coming to your phone until at least December. At least that’s the word for now.

MICROSOFT's MANY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Seth Colaner is the News Director at Tom's Hardware. Follow him on Twitter @SethColaner. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.

Seth Colaner
11 Comments Comment from the forums
  • RedJaron
    I really hate how Microsoft obsesses over and changes names all the time. Particularly Zune. Yes, the name got mocked. So what? The software was incredible and I still use it as my media player.
    Reply
  • theyeti87
    The Windows mobile ecosystem is still a cesspool and is greatly lacking a decent Marketplace.

    I mean, every time I reboot WP8.1 a blitzkrieg of months-old emails, texts, FB notifications pop up. Every. Single. Time. Doesn't know how to properly recognize a 16GB SD card "there seems to be errors on your sd card, want to scan now?" Apps just stop working at random. Sometimes the back button stops working entirely and the only way to shut the phone down is to pull the battery.

    But keep all of us in the know about awesome Windows mobile products.
    Reply
  • alextheblue
    I mean, every time I reboot WP8.1 a blitzkrieg of months-old emails, texts, FB notifications pop up. Every. Single. Time. Doesn't know how to properly recognize a 16GB SD card "there seems to be errors on your sd card, want to scan now?" Apps just stop working at random. Sometimes the back button stops working entirely and the only way to shut the phone down is to pull the battery.

    Sounds like your phone is borked. Because that is not normal behavior for the software in question. I have literally never had any of these issues occur on my Lumia 822. I can reboot it right now and it only notifies me of new messages, the SD card spits out no errors, etc.

    I also think the Store has come a long way and I can't think of any app I am missing. The new-gen Universal apps that are Win10 capable are even better. If developers so choose they can include multiple UIs for Continuum, and compile to native code for better speed.
    Reply
  • RedJaron
    Pay him no mind. He's been trolling just about every Windows 10 and MS article the last few days.
    Reply
  • Retic3nt
    While I agree the app store basically has most every big name app there is, it's the small 3rd party apps that never get ported over (or if they do they have huge amounts of bugs and just not updated). I only say this because my university has several apps that are a mixture of required and helpful and none of them are available for win. I have to carry my old 3gs around with wifi just to use the app for the course. Sadly Win is my favorite phone OS so far besides some of the heavily modified android skins or a jail broken and modified iOS.
    Here's hoping win10 makes it easy for 3rd parties to port apps.
    Reply
  • Avus
    lack of apps are still a big problem for WP. Yes some big name apps like Whatsapp are available. But many BIG corporations/enterprises/company like bank, insurance company, TV stations... just don't support it. For many if they can't use the phone for mobile banking, work with company apps, watch TV... it is just an useless smart phone. These kinds of WP app support outside of North America are even less popular (WP/WM support is nonexistent in most Asian countries). MS still have a LONG way to go.

    corporation/company that don't support WP:
    HBO, Bank of America, Chase, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, TD Ameritrade, Bank of Nova Socita (Canada), HSBC (UK/HK), Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (biggest bank in Japan)...
    Reply
  • scolaner
    Personally, I haven't had much trouble finding the apps I want/need on Windows Phone. But then again, I'm not one for using tons and tons of apps, so my needs there are minimal.

    Anyway, regarding that topic, here are some articles we've published ICYMI:

    http://www.tomshardware.com/news/microsoft-windows-10-phone-android-ios,29022.html

    http://www.tomshardware.com/news/porting-ios-android-apps-windows10,29509.html
    Reply
  • innocent bystander
    If you want it faster just get the RTM build through the insider program once it becomes available and live on that till the official upgrade rolls around.
    Reply
  • flowingbass
    Windows 10 is like bread with no butter. Its easy and light but leaves a lot to be desired. Its dull and boring to use, can cure insomnia. And does not leave a good impression. Win vista had better visuals. Win 7 made you felt that you are using a modern and futuristic os. Its like ferrari making a childrens bike.
    Reply
  • bloodroses75
    Considering all the issues I've had with my Note Edge, I was planning on just avoiding Samsung. At the rate Android is going, I may be switching phone OS as well when I get a new phone. Apple is not an option either.
    Reply