Microsoft is reportedly working on a Surface smartphone, a device that's designed by the company just like the Surface tablets. The news comes from Windows Central and is based on sources within Microsoft. There isn't much known about the device yet, except that it's scheduled for the second half of 2016.
The phone will likely be based on an Intel x86 CPU, which means that Win32 apps can run on Windows 10 smartphone which is especially useful when used with a Continuum adapter. With such an adapter the phone can function like a full fledged computer, the adapter allows to add a monitor and keyboard and mouse.
Running Win32 apps is also beneficial for another reason. Microsoft is working hard on increasing the popularity of Windows 10 and an important succesfactor is to have many apps. If the company is able to run Win32 apps on a phone it becomes easier for developers to make apps. It also means regular Windows apps can run on the phone which means Windows 10 smartphone users get access to nearly an infinite number of apps.
It's not entirely clear when the Surface Phone should see the light. Windows Central estimates around the second half of 2016. It will likely be released together with a second large update for Windows 10 codenamed Redstone. This update is planned for summer 2016 and it's likely also the Surface Phone will be announced around that time.
