Microsoft might be done producing Lumia smartphones for its Windows 10 Mobile operating system.
The Redmond technology firm wrote off its $7.6 billion (£5.1 billion) Nokia acquisition following a monumental shift in its mobile strategy almost a year ago.
Microsoft this week confirmed it will sell off the brand to Apple supply chain partner Foxconn for a cool $350 million, some £238 million.
As part of the deal, Microsoft is handing over the Nokia brand, software, services, care network and customer contracts.
Related articlesMicrosoft published a press release that hints it might never release another Lumia phone again.
It said: "Microsoft will continue to develop Windows 10 Mobile and support Lumia phones such as the Lumia 650, Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, and phones from OEM partners like Acer, Alcatel, HP, Trinity and VAIO."
The US technology company will continue to support existing Lumia hardware, alongside devices built by third-party manufacturers, but it doesn't sound like Microsoft has any more Lumia devices in the works.
An internal memo from Microsoft Executive Vice President of Windows and Devices Group, Terry Myerson recently leaked online.
The memo reconfirmed the US firm's commitment to "next generation products" for Windows 10 Mobile, but there was no mention of the Lumia brand.
When pressed about the future of Microsoft smartphone devices, a spokesperson told The Verge they "have nothing specific to share about our future product roadmap."
The latest press release from Microsoft will likely to fuel rumours that the Redmond firm is working on a Surface branded smartphone.
According to reports within the company, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's push on security within the Windows ecosystem will also play heavily into the design and functionality of the forthcoming Surface Phone.
Microsoft is expected to position the Surface Phone based on the productivity of the Windows 10 platform.
Like the Surface Pro before it was the tablet that could replace your laptop, the team is expected to focus on Continuum and the potential to work on the road with a Surface Phone.
Previous reports from within Microsoft have claimed Surface Phone will feature an industrial design similar to the Surface Book and Pro 4 tablet.
Like the Surface Book laptop and Surface Pro 4 tablet before it, the Surface smartphone is expected to ship with flagship materials and a premium price tag to match.
Surface Vice President Panos Panay and his team are believed to be looking into building an all-metal case for the smartphone, which will run Windows 10 Mobile.
Industry sources claim Intel is heavily involved in the smartphone project.
The hugely successful chipmaker could help the Surface smartphone realise its plans to bridge the gap between a smartphone and a productive mobile device.
Related articlesSource: Lumia smartphones are coming to an end, Microsoft hints
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