Microsoft considered developing Surface phones

According to reports, the software maker developed several phone prototypes due to fears that Nokia may be unable to deliver attractive smartphones, or that it would dump the OS for rival Android.
The plan to produce Surface phones was retired after it became apparent that Nokia’s Lumia range would meet Microsoft’s expectations.
The Verge reports that Microsoft was concerned that should Nokia fail to deliver on its promises – or switch sides – that Windows Phone would be left dead in the water.
Read more: Nokia considered making Android-based Lumias
The company had courted other major phone makers, but had failed to pull them away from Android. HTC, LG and Samsung all made Windows Phone devices, but chose to focus resources on Android.
The report surfaced on the same day that it was claimed Nokia experimented with Android throughout its partnership with Microsoft.
According to the New York Times, the Finnish company tested porting Google’s mobile OS onto its existing Lumia range. It is reported to have said doing so was not “herculean”.