Yesterday, Microsoft released its FY15 Q2 earnings, and the Redmond giant earned $1.1 billion worth of Surface revenue. That’s a 24% increase from the same quarter in 2013. Microsoft notes that the revenue is mostly from sales of the Surface Pro 3 and its accessories.
Interestingly enough, Microsoft also revealed that they have discontinued production of the Surface 2 (which includes the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2). Although this shouldn’t come as a surprise. The Surface 2, which is powered by Windows RT, is no longer being produced, having been in the market since October of 2013. In October of 2014, just one year after the device made its debut, WinBeta learned that Microsoft had stopped selling the Windows 8.1 powered Surface Pro 2 online, with a new focus being placed on the Surface Pro 3.
“Surface Pro 2 is sold out at select retailers and they will not be getting any more stock at this time. Our focus is Surface Pro 3 because it’s the most powerful, portable and productive member of the Surface family yet. We want as many people as possible to experience Surface Pro 3 because when they do, they love it. We recommend those eager to buy visit Microsoft Retail Stores, MicrosoftStore.com, third-party retailers and resellers for the latest availability,” Microsoft told WinBeta back in October.
Microsoft now believes that the Surface brand is “respectably profitable” as opposed to being barely profitable last quarter. It makes perfect sense for Microsoft to focus on the Surface Pro 3, which the company touts as a tablet that can replace your laptop. Right now, the fate of Windows RT remains in question as Microsoft has not officially revealed what will happen to it. Will it just sink into oblivion as Microsoft focuses on Windows 10? Possibly.
Do you own a Surface 2 or Surface Pro 2? How do you feel about this news?