Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed regret about not putting more effort into making Windows Phone successful in a recent interview with Business Insider. Nadella believed that if the company had worked harder, they could have made it work by reinventing the computing category between PCs, tablets, and phones.

Although Windows Phone had dedicated fans, it struggled to compete with the popularity of iOS and Android. Microsoft had ambitious goals of surpassing both of these platforms but failed to attract enough users due to a lack of popular apps.

This decision not only affected Microsoft but also disappointed mobile users worldwide who missed out on the opportunity to have a strong third player in the market. However, it remains unclear if Microsoft has learned from their mistakes.

Their latest venture, the Surface Duo, an Android-based dual-screen folding phone, has faced challenges. Despite its unique design and support from tech enthusiasts, the device has been criticized for outdated specs, software bugs, and limited support. Recently, support for the original Surface Duo ended, and it seems that owners of the Surface Duo 2 are not a top priority for new features and functionality.

Microsoft’s struggle seems to lie in being unable to stick with their brilliant ideas and losing focus along the way. Their next phone may not be a true successor to the Surface Duo 2, as it may not feature a dual-screen. Furthermore, there have been rumors of the cancellation of the Duo 3, even after finalizing its design and specifications. This delay means that when Duo 2 users are ready to upgrade, they may have to consider alternatives such as an iPhone or Android phone.

Overall, Nadella’s regret about the failure of Windows Phone highlights the missed opportunity for Microsoft in the mobile phone market. With the challenges faced by the Surface Duo, it remains to be seen if Microsoft can successfully create a competitive device in the future.