Windows Phone release date, specs rumors: HP collaborates with Microsoft in making the next consumer-focused Windows Phone

Hewlett-Packard (HP) is rumored to once again collaborate with another tech giant, Microsoft, to create a Windows 10-run mobile device. But this time, the phone is believed to be focused on serving the consumers.

There is an emphasis on the fact the HP is making another Windows phone intended for consumers since the latest Windows phone, HP Elite X3, they released was an enterprise-grade mobile device.

The rumor was sparked by a report from the German news site DrWindows. The translated report claims that HP would want to develop a "real consumer smartphone" that is run with Windows 10.

The report also pointed out that fans of Windows phone have limited access to getting a Windows phone since Lumia is only a few weeks away from being removed from store shelves. And another Windows phone, Alcatel Idol 4S, is not available to the European market.

DrWindows also claims that they received "concrete indications" that there is an ongoing partnership between HP and Microsoft to develop the Windows 10 mobile device, and that the consumer breed smartphone will possibly be released in February 2017 — probably during the Mobile World Congress next year.

Though the report notes that the claims need official confirmation, they maintain that "the puzzle pieces seem to fit together so well."

In comparison, the enterprise-focused HP Elite X3 was announced last February and released in August. Its specifications include 4 GB random-access memory (RAM) paired with Windows 10 and a 64 GB internal memory storage, which is expandable through a memory card slot. It is powered by quad-core Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 processing chip and Adreno 530 graphics processing unit (CPU). XP Elite X3 also sports a 5.96-inch Corning Gorilla Glass 4 display and 16-megapixel (MP) rear camera.

Considering that HP has another Windows 10 phone in the pipeline, it is highly possibly that it will play within or improve the specifications above.