Microsoft Surface Phone 2017 release date, news, specs rumors: Windows Continuum mode-enabled device may launch on Feb. 2017

One of the most anticipated devices in 2017 won't be the newest iPhone offering from Apple Inc. or a Galaxy flagship iteration from Samsung Electronics. No — it will come from an unusual tech player in smartphone manufacturing.

The Surface Phone from Microsoft has long been overdue. From its numerous delays this year to its uber-mysterious specifications, the forthcoming entry from one of the most admired tech players in the industry has still been a staple in various rumor mills despite some absence of confirmation from the people behind the rumored device.

Now, the culmination of exerted efforts on these specifications about Microsoft Surface Phone may finally come into a full circle as an almost tangible evidence of the upcoming smartphone has surfaced, courtesy of a reliable German Windows-obsessed website, Dr. Windows.

As per the site, it has received "concrete evidence" that HP is in cahoots with Microsoft in developing a highly advanced Windows 10 smartphone. Furthermore, the website has stressed that the upcoming Microsoft Surface Phone is the rebranded Lumia handsets. As such, it will still be featuring some of its prized features

Meanwhile, ZDNet has shared that the device may feature the Windows Continuum mode. In it, the forthcoming Microsoft Surface Phone will have the capability to connect to an external display and keyboard. In addition, the feature will also allow the device to run full-fledged X86 apps through an emulation.

Microsoft Surface Phone has also been tipped to come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. Meanwhile, the device's productivity, security elements and design features are all expected to be beefed up to complement the powerful chipset.

Microsoft Surface Phone is slated to be announced at the annual Mobile World Congress (MWC) on Feb. 2017.