Microsoft’s latest mobile hardware, the Lumia 950 and 950 XL, have been the talk of the town since their official unveiling on October 6th. Pre-ordering the pair of Lumias has been a viable option for a while, but the shipment dates have ranged from November 20th to November 25, with the latter becoming more important after Microsoft Corporate V.P. Panos Panay posted an update regarding in-store device availability.
Panay posted on Microsoft’s Windows blog, addressing various successful statistics thus far in Windows 10’s comparatively short lifespan among modern operating systems. Windows 10 has been installed on over 110 million (officially reported) devices worldwide, with that number continuing to rise, as well as the launch of the new Lumia flagships seeking to win customers’ pocket space with Windows 10 Mobile. Customers actually getting the devices, however, has been tricky since it’s technically before launch at this time, but Panay points out two very useful dates to mark if you’ve been looking to purchase either the Lumia 950 or the 950 XL.
Panay writes that “U.S. Microsoft stores will have both phones available online on Nov. 25 and in retail stores on Nov. 26”. He goes on to point out that the global in-store availability will commence from then onward. This tidbit gives us two clarifying bits of information. First, and most obviously, eager Lumia fans now have solid dates to begin online and in-store purchases of these devices (which will be unlocked, sold, and shipped directly from Microsoft itself). And second, it explains a recent availability of the Lumia 950 through AT&T and Microsoft’s websites for an AT&T-branded variant prior to these dates. It would seem that since Microsoft decided to focus its market approach through a single U.S. carrier, the carrier got it first (since carriers are the traditional vendor of smartphone here in the States), followed by the manufacturer itself. Needless to say, Lumia fans and Windows 10 Mobile users rejoice, for the days of the 950 and 950 XL are soon to be upon us.
