Have you ever wondered WHERE Windows 10 Mobile came from? Here’s a quick snapshot of the history of Microsoft’s mobile platform.

Are you a Windows 10 Mobile developer? Ever wonder just how we got to 1.1% market share? Here’s a quick overview of Microsoft’s storied mobile platform history.

Microsoft Windows Phone\Mobile Timelines

*links to certain news links\announcements are available for some key\contentious points in time

• 1996
  • Nov, Microsoft announces Windows CE
  • 
• 2000
  • Apr, Microsoft announces Windows Mobile, replacing Windows CE
  • 
• 2009
  • Feb, Microsoft announces Windows Phone coming Oct 2010 breaking ties with Windows Mobile\CE
  • 
• 2010
  • Oct, Microsoft releases WP7 with flagship Samsung Focus
  • Nov, WP7 on Samsung Focus released a month late in Canada
• 2012
  • Oct, Microsoft releases WP8, breaking ties with WP7
  • 
• 2013
  • Jul, Nokia released Lumia 1020, arguably new WP flagship with 41MP camera
  • Sep, Microsoft goes public with Nokia purchase
  • Nov, Steve Ballmer "leaves" Microsoft
• 2014
  • Feb, Satya Nadella named Microsoft CEO
  • Feb, Microsoft launches Nokia X, android phones
  • Apr, Microsoft releases WP 8.1
  • Apr, Microsoft closes $7.2B acquisition of Nokia's Devices Business
  • Jul, Microsoft kills Nokia X, android phones
• 2015
  • Apr, at Build
    • Satya Nadella announces Microsoft's priorities are "Mobile First, Cloud First"
    • Microsoft announces two bridge tools to bring iPhone and Android apps to Win 10 Mobile
  • Jul, Microsoft admits Nokia purchase $7.6B "Monumental mistake"
  • Jul, Microsoft announces 7800 Nokia job cuts
  • Nov, Microsoft released Windows 10 Mobile
  • 
  • Nov Lumia 950, 950XL officially released, but not in Canada
• 2016
  • Feb, Microsoft announced killing Android Project Astoria bridge tool
  • Feb, Microsoft releases 550, 950 and 950XL to Microsoft online stores (US and CAN)
  • Feb, Microsoft purchases Xamarin, development tools for Android and iPhone devices
  • Apr, at Build
    • Terry Myerson announces Windows Phone is not Microsoft priority for this year
    • Satya Nadella said "mobile first is not about the mobility of any single device"
  • Apr, Microsoft leaked plans to release Surface Phone but not until 2017

So that’s the quick over view of Microsoft’s mobile platform. Recently I’m reading how Nadella is playing “the long game.” Well, keep your eyes peeled to this blog for an upcoming blog on my thoughts on THAT plan. Until then, it’s time to grab a coffee and get coding!