Microsoft Surface Phone 2017 release date, specs rumors: Windows 10 smartphone to be launched at the 2017 MWC event?

The Microsoft logo is seen on an electronic billboard on an office building in New York City.Reuters/Mike Segar

Microsoft has yet to enter the fray in the largely competitive smartphone market. Its previous Lumia smartphone offerings weren't really considered to be formidable contenders and were somewhat disregarded by most consumers after its release. However, the company is reportedly going to be entering the ring relatively stronger next year with a brand new Windows 10 smartphone, the 2017 Microsoft Surface Phone.

According to the latest reports, the upcoming new smartphone may be running the company's latest Windows 10 operating system update, the Windows 10 Redstone 2. It is also assumed that some very modern hardware will have to be incorporated into the device in order to run the latest update. Reports have speculated that the device may likely be sporting a new Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, possibly the Snapdragon 830. The processor will also likely be paired with a large amount of RAM and an unknown amount of internal storage space.

As for its features, reports have revealed that the device will likely be sporting some of the more successful features of the company's previous Lumia smartphones. These features will reportedly include the Lumia's ClearBlack screens, its quick glance notifications, and other Lumia features. There have also been reports that Microsoft has apparently struck a deal with HP to help them manufacture the upcoming new smartphone. The device will also reportedly be built specifically for businesses and the enterprise market.

The upcoming new Microsoft Surface Phone 2017 is expected to be released in February next year alongside the company's highly anticipated tablet laptop hybrid device, the Microsoft Surface Pro 5. Several reports have also speculated that the device will likely be unveiled during the upcoming 2017 Mobile World Congress (MWC) event which is also happening on the same month. Microsoft has yet to confirm any of the aforementioned reports and the company continues to keep mum about its device's development, thus, it still remains to be seen if any of the speculations will turn out to be true.