Microsoft Surface Phone Release & Specs: Tech Giant Teases 'Breakthrough' Device, Potential iPhone Killer

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Microsoft revealed it is working on a new smartphone that will rival the capabilities, design and features of the iPhone. However, its executive also admitted there's still a lot of work to be done before they release the product.

Speaking in a podcast with Mary Jo Foley and Paul Thurrott for Twit TV, Microsoft's Chief Marketing Officer Chris Capossela said that the company is indeed hard at work developing the Surface Phone. "We need some sort of spiritual equivalent on the phone side, that doesn't just feel like a phone for people who love Windows," said Capossela, per Daily Mail. "I think we have to do more breakthrough work to make Apple fans pause before they buy their 17th iPhone."

Microsoft has released smartphones in the past, but it has yet to succeed in capturing the mobile market. Per BGR, the newly-released Windows Phones have failed the company, so it is setting their sights on making sure the Surface Phone succeeds.

Tech Insider reported that the planned device will come with an operating system that has ability to run all Windows software in its full capacity, much like a regular computer. The current OS used by the Windows Phones, the Windows 10, use mostly apps from the Windows Store market.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is already testing Cortona, its digital personal assistant, on Apple's iOS. Per Daily Mail, two thousand iPhone users have been testing the app that is similar to Siri.

"Cortana will be able to help you get lots of things done, from searching for things on the web or your device to setting reminders, dictating email, or toggling device settings," said Microsoft's Joe Belfiore. "Regardless of the operating systems you choose across your devices - everything important to you should roam across the products you already own - including your phone," Belfiore explained the system further. He also said that they are targeting the market of those without a Windows phone, but would like to make use of its apps.

Forbes reported that Microsoft planned on porting Windows 10 on the iOS and Android before, but the project fell through. With the recent announcement by Capossela though, the company is determined to lay out big plans to make the Windows Mobile environment relevant again. This will be tested once the Surface Phone is released.

What date the Surface Phone hits the market is still up in the air, but there had been speculations that Microsoft will be releasing the smartphone by mid-2016, per Gadgets NDTV. However, Capossela suggested in the podcast that this might not drop in 2016 at all.