When Microsoft first launched Windows Phone 8, one of the features that it introduced was Rooms, which was an extension of People, allowing users to chat and share photos, calendars and other things.
Microsoft has announced that it will be ending support for Rooms, effective starting next month.
"We're making way for new features in Windows 10 that will help you stay in touch with the people that matter most," said Microsoft in a statement.
Users will still be able to view their existing rooms, however they will not be able to create new rooms or send any messages within their rooms starting in March. Once a user updates to Windows 10, the rooms will be removed entirely and users will not be able to access them.
It was suspected that Microsoft would be cutting the feature when Rooms did not make an appearance in Microsoft's Windows 10 Technical Preview; however, the announcement from the company confirms any suspicions.
The announcement is sure to frustrate users who got used to Rooms, but considering the less-than-expected adoption of the service, it's not all too surprising and it's probably the best move for Microsoft in the long run. Not only that, but it is likely that there will be a better alternative in the upcoming Windows 10 Phone mobile operating system.
This is especially true because of Microsoft's recent acquisition of GroupMe, which is a messaging platform that allows for messaging across different platforms. Until now, all users of Rooms had to be using a device running Windows Phone, making for a very limited messaging service. Only time will tell if Microsoft rebrands GroupMe for Windows 10 or if it continues to operate it as a separate service.
The mobile messaging market has been heating up a lot over the past few years as users look for a more versatile platform than simple SMS to message their friends and family. With Facebook now owning WhatsApp as well as operating the popular Facebook Messaging Service, and Google's Hangouts gaining traction, it makes sense that Microsoft would be looking to launch a more successful messaging service to compete with Facebook and Google.
The move also highlights Microsoft's growing seriousness in the mobile space. Windows Phone has largely been unsuccessful since it was first released in 2010, with Micrososft the third-largest smartphone manufacturer and currently holding 3.2 percent of the mobile market share. Since Satya Nadella took over the reins at Microsoft, the company has been making an effort to be more relevant and innovative.
