Farewell to Windows 10

Microsoft says goodbye and ends support for Windows 10 Mobile. In all these years, the company has not been able to assert itself with the mobile version. That is a shame. After all, this operating version proved to be much more convenient for tablet use than Android. Nevertheless, Microsoft was not able to convince with its mobile version. This is not even due to the buyers, but much more to the cell phone manufacturers, who negotiate fixed contracts and preferably opt for the operating systems from Google and Apple.

Windows 10 Mobile was based directly on the desktop version. Many users liked that. Android systems always required a rethink and often proved to be problematic. On the other hand, there were only a few tablets and cell phones with the mobile Windows version.

Choices limited

Since the end of 2019, there has been no more support for Windows 10 Mobile. This means that buyers only have the choice between Android or iOS devices. However, these operating systems are not really ideal for people who frequently use desktop PCs.

The plan was to create an alternative on the smartphone market. However, Windows 10 Mobile was unable to establish itself on the market. The market share was low, as many manufacturers refused. Although devices with Windows 10 Mobile can still be used, problems could arise over time.

Alternative not available for old devices

Those who want to continue using the old devices with the Microsoft Mobile version can use the device backup until mid-March and, if necessary, create a manual backup by the end of 2020.

This makes it clear that the company will no longer be developing its system, leaving its arch-rival Google to dominate the market. The announcement was not new, as there were initial indications of the discontinuation back in 2017. However, it also shows how much the Redmond-based company is inferior to its competitors. This leaves buyers with the choice between Android and iOS.

5G will change everything

As soon as the 5G standard is available worldwide, many things could change. People who use smartphones, tablets or PCs today are always annoyed by disconnections or slow internet connections. Although there are many tips and tricks how to speed up your internet connection, this is of little use in rural areas.

With 5G, practically all data will be stored in the cloud and a movie can be streamed in real time. The market will change completely and this will particularly affect the operating systems of smartphones and tablets. Android and iOS are considered outdated. With 5G, for example, the smartphone could become the new control center for everything and even completely replace the desktop PC. However, this can only work if the two companies bring a sensible operating system onto the market that makes it easier to use as a PC.

But it will probably be some time before that happens. New end devices are also needed to be able to use 5G. It is also likely to take a few years before these become standard (there are still very few available).