Microsoft may finally be ready to roll out Windows 10 Mobile this month, as the company reportedly confirmed a March release in an email to partners.
Windows Phone 8.1 users have long been waiting for the update to Windows 10 Mobile, but the rollout faced several delays. With several tentative timeframes and false alarms, users are understandably starting to get frustrated that Microsoft has yet to release the update.
Last year, Windows 10 Mobile was expected to roll out in December for existing devices, but that obviously did not happen. A February release was then rumored and Microsoft Mexico even announced a Feb. 29 release date, but later acknowledged that it was not accurate. More recently, Vodafone Italia hinted at a March 7 launch date, but again, that date has come and gone with no update in sight.
However, it seems that a March release is in the cards after all, at least if the latest news proves to be accurate.
VentureBeat now reports that it saw an email Microsoft sent to partners, notifying them that it now targets a March rollout for Windows 10 Mobile. The update will reportedly arrive after the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, which launched with Windows 10 out of the box, receive their regular monthly service updates.
The publication further points out that this upcoming release will separate the upgrade from the service update, hence the scheduled rollout after the Lumia 950 and 950 XL get their treats.
"In other words, whereas the February rollout would have seen the update bundled into the upgrade, in March they are expected to be two distinct processes," VentureBeat explains.
At the same time, it's also worth reiterating that some Windows Phone 8.1 devices will first need firmware updates to get Windows 10 Mobile, as Tech Times previously reported.
Lastly, VentureBeat adds an intriguing tidbit of information. Windows 10 Mobile will apparently see a passive rollout at first, which means that users would have to initiate the update manually from their settings. Later on, Microsoft will push the firmware to eligible devices with an active OTA release.
It remains to be seen whether it will really happen this time or it's just another false alarm, but we're keeping our fingers crossed for a Windows 10 Mobile release this month.
