This is the end for Lumia and Microsoft Band devices

It seems that Microsoft is finally cutting its losses and ending production of at least two devices, including Lumia phones and Microsoft Band devices.

According to a number of reports, the software giant is preparing to stop selling Lumia phones as soon as before the of the year. This shouldn't be a surprise for anyone, as we have been hearing for a while that Microsoft is planning launch a new Surface branded phone.

Microsoft hasn't officially said that is discontinuing its flagship of smartphones. However, seeing that there are only four models available without upcoming replacements, and the company removing the phones from its retail and online stores, it all signals the we have seen the last of Lumia.

On a report from WinBeta (one of the first site to publish the news) notes that sources confirmed that Microsoft will remove and stop selling these Windows 10 Mobile phones by the end of 2016.

Microsoft is said to be holding an event in October to announce the Surface All-in-One, which could be the time where we might also see or hear something about the new Surface Phone. However, we have previously heard that a "Surface Phone" won't arrive until sometime in 2017.

The software giant seems to be also preparing to abandon the Microsoft Band project as soon as this year. A new report from ZDNet reveals that sources familiar to the plan, Microsoft has already dissolved the team working on getting the fitness tracker to work with Windows 10 (as you probably know, the fitness tracker currently runs a custom firmware), and there is no signal that there will be a Microsoft Band 2 successor.

Microsoft Band 2 sitting on top of Surface Pro 3 tablet.

On a statement to ZDNnet, Microsoft's spokesperson said:

"We continue to invest and innovate in the Microsoft Health platform, which is open to all hardware and apps partners across Windows, iOS, and Android devices. We also continue to sell Microsoft Band 2 and remain deeply committed to supporting our customers and exploring the wearables space."

As you can see the spokesperson has carefully chose their words, which makes unclear whether there will be a Microsoft Band 3 in the coming months or years. However, Microsoft emphasizes that will continue to invest in its health platform, which suggests that Microsoft Health will continue, even though we may not see another iteration of the fitness tracker.

Originally, the Microsoft Band was released in October 2014 and its original prices was $200, then the Microsoft Band 2 came along in 2015 for $250, and for several months we have only seen price cuts on the fitness tracker and no information about a Microsoft Band 3.

Source: This is the end for Lumia and Microsoft Band devices