Report: HP Elite x3 to be end-of-lifed soon, HP "really p*ssed" at Microsoft (updated)

The HP Elite x3 was a valiant attempt to live up to Microsoft’s Windows 1o Mobile vision of one device that can be your phone, tablet and PC, providing consistent access to the same universal apps no matter which form-factor you were using.

Microsoft, of course, pulled the rug from under companies that bought into the vision by abandoning Windows 10 Mobile development, and now predictably companies have responded by withdrawing their own support.

According to German site WindowsUnited.de HP is set to end sales of the HP Elite x3 on the 1st November 2017, ie around 5 weeks from now.

The device will also stop being supported in October 2018, two years after its release.  There is no sign of any replacement, except for the suggestion that the handset may be re-released running Android.

Update: DrWindows, who appear to have an inside track with HP, reports that there are a few low thousands of units left in inventory and that stock may run out before the 1st November deadline, which should dampen any hopes for a massive fire sale.

DrWindows notes that HP is “really p*ssed” at Microsoft, and rather than release the handset running Android, will now work with Apple and only recommend their handsets as a mobile solution.

DrWindows also notes in passing that the promising but unreleased Trekstor Windows Phone is also definitely dead.

The news would not really surprise anyone, and while some sites have been speculating about a new Microsoft initiative for mobile Windows with Andromeda, I would be really surprised if any OEMs and end-user companies would ever trust Microsoft with their mobile strategy again.

In an official statement HP denied the news, saying:

HP is always responding to customer feedback to deliver the best product experiences. We remain committed to our mobility strategy and vision and will sell the Elite x3 through 2019 while continuing to enhance our portfolio delivering multi-OS devices, accessories and workflow transformation solutions. Mobility is an exciting and rapidly evolving area, and HP will continue to explore ways to address our customers’ mobile computing needs.

DrWindows, however, is sticking with their sources, saying:

“I take note of this and still remain exactly in my presentation, since I consider my source to be absolutely resilient.”

Given the precarious state of Windows Mobile, guess who I am going to believe….

As that Bushism goes  ‘Fool me once, shame on…shame on you. Fool me — you can’t get fooled again.'”