Microsoft’s ecosystem strategy is under the microscope after a Windows phone update has failed to come to fruition, and Microsoft has officially declared that it will support its initial Surface release for only four years.

Early adopters of Windows Phone 8, namely Nokia Lumia 900 users, have been disappointed once again by Microsoft. SiliconANGLE Contributing Editor John Casaretto explained, “When the Lumia 900 came out, it was supposed to be a phone that finally was designed to contend with Apple’s iPhone, the iOS, and the Google Android phones.” Unfortunately the hardware wasn’t compatible with the final Windows Phone 8 platform, leaving Lumia 900 and other Windows phones out in the cold.

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Microsoft has promised these users a software update, Windows Phone 7.8, which is a bridge between Windows Phone 7 and Windows Phone 8.  Casaretto said this update would bring some Windows Phone 8 features to the older Windows phones, such as the fully-customizable home screen and the Windows Phone 8 tiles.

Microsoft has not mentioned anything regarding Windows 7.8 in the past few months. Could this be due to more issues in the Windows 7.8 release or has it simply fallen off the radar?  Regardless of the reason, Casaretto believes that Microsoft’s silence indicates a major delay.

Microsoft has also announced it will only support its Surface RT tablet through April 11, 2017.  Casaretto commented, “We are talking about a new kind of product for Microsoft in that . . . it’s integrating hardware and software, and that changes the dynamics of the support.” He went on to discuss the differences in the support lifecycles between business and consumers. Overall, Microsoft’s support level is better than the other tablets out in the market, including the iPad.  See the entire segment with Kristin Feledy and John Casaretto on the Morning NewsDesk Show.