Microsoft Surface Phone release date, specs news 2016: Microsoft to ditch Lumnia in December, preps for new smartphone launch?

Microsoft is taking the first step to preparing the long-awaited Surface Phone by killing off the Lumia smartphone line altogether by the end of the year.

According to an insider cited by WinBeta, the company will "end sales" of its Lumia devices, although the publication believes it is more on ending the production of the smartphones.

The source points out how only four Lumia devices are only available on the market at the moment and the fact that these smartphones are offered on discount by both Microsoft and resellers so the stock can thin out easily.

WinBeta also points out how Microsoft has been making discreet efforts to put the Lumia past behind. Its website itself no longer has the link to the Lumia line.

Microsoft says that at the moment, there is "nothing to share" with regards to the Lumia handset. According to media outlets, the software giant is simply getting ready for the release of the Microsoft Surface Phone.

At this time, there are no specific details with regards to the makings of the new smartphone from the company. It was previously reported it will be positioned as a business device.

There are no updates yet on the release date of the Microsoft Surface Phone. Microsoft will hold an event next month for the Surface All-in-One personal computer (PC).

Media outlets do not discount the chance of the Microsoft Surface Phone popping up there. However, previous reports suggested that the tech titan will wait it out until next year to unveil the device.

It was said that Microsoft would like to wait for the Redstone 2 update on the Windows 10, which will allow them to integrate additional features on the device.

As per past leaks, the entry level model of the Microsoft Surface Phone will offer 128 GB storage and 6 GB RAM while 256 GB and 512 GB versions with 8 GB RAM are expected as well.