Even Microsoft's biggest fan doesn't want Windows 10 Mobile
Windows Phone has been dead for some time now. I knew it. The world knew it. Dogs knew it. The only people that were seemingly unaware were those that pledged allegiance to Microsoft. You know who they are -- those men and women that some call "fanboys".
Even the journalism community has them. Folks like Paul Thurrott and Mary Jo Foley are unapologetic fans of Microsoft. While Thurrott has long since abandoned the horrific Windows Phone platform, Foley has been one of the few holdouts. Today, she announces that she -- Microsoft's biggest fan -- is choosing the Linux-based Android instead. If this doesn't signal the death of Windows Phone/Windows 10 Mobile, I don't know what does.
Shockingly, Foley explains that she chose Android over iOS as she refuses to use any Apple product. This is a rather ignorant stance for a tech writer. Open-mindedness is preferred for a journalist. She says the following.
For those wondering why I didn't go iPhone, I am not interested in Apple products, as I have a deep-seated personal dislike of all things Apple-related. I don't want to be affiliated with the Apple user community. Other than a relatively brief fling with the iPad, I haven't purchased any Apple hardware, software or services. This is a personal bias/choice. I think differently than many of my tech press colleagues. I am a PC.
Wow, Ms. Foley, tell us how you really feel!
She makes sure to highlight that she is using as few Google apps as possible, instead trying to use Microsoft's solutions. This is actually quite possible -- Microsoft's offerings on Android are wonderful -- but I don't understand why she refuses to try alternatives. Why the obsession with Microsoft?
As someone who doesn't use Google services other than Google Maps, the Chrome browser and Google search, I have to jump through some extra hoops to use Microsoft apps and services on my phone. I've had some calendar syncing issues with the otherwise nice Outlook Mobile app. Saving and accessing my photos and files using OneDrive mostly works. But it's not as seamless as it was on my Windows Phone. I'm hoping Microsoft's seemingly growing focus on Android apps and services may make for smoother sailing, going forward.
So why did she leave? She highlights a few reasons, most notably the failure on Microsoft's part to update the Verizon Nokia Icon to Windows 10 Mobile. I too am a big fan of Verizon -- and wouldn't leave it either -- so I understand her problem. Microsoft pretty much left her without an option if she wanted to stay with her carrier.
She also left Windows Phone because of a lack of apps. She seems disenchanted with the future potential of universal windows variants, highlighting both Opera and Sonos not showing interest in developing. She claims to not be a fan of apps really, but like many converts from Microsoft's failed platform, she now sees the light while on Android. She says the following.
I've always said (and still do, to be honest) that I'm not much of an app person. When on Windows Phone, that projection mirrored reality. But once I started using Android, I realized I could be an app person if I wanted. Instead of assuming an app wouldn't exist, I could now just figure that on Android, it would. I still have only about a dozen apps installed on my Android phone, but knowing I can download more if and when I want is a freeing feeling.
I am glad that Foley has found happiness with Linux -- the nexus 6P is a great choice. Who knows, maybe she will install the newest version of Ubuntu on her laptop. OK, that's not likely to happen anytime soon.
Are you surprised that Microsoft's biggest fan has jumped ship to Linux? Tell me in the comments.
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