Microsoft to end Windows Phone 8 support by July 2014

Microsoft has given it's Windows Phone 8 a kick-up the proverbial, cutting support by July 2014.

For those still pissed from the New Year celebrations, or even Paddy's Day, the world currently resides in March 2013 meaning 24-month contracts are out of the window, pardon the pun, for the device. Unless you prefer a phone with no guarantee.

Kicking-in within sixteen months, critics may suggest Redmond is giving up on it's mobile dream already, although recent comments from founder Bill Gates would suggest otherwise.

Lambasting, a word not used enough, Microsoft's pace of innovation over the past few years, in particular it's early mobile strategy, Gates' outburst signals the company is getting a move on when it comes to producing smartphones.

“We didn’t miss cellphones, but the way that we went about it didn’t allow us to get the leadership. It’s clearly a mistake,” Gates told CBS at the time.

With this in mind, Microsoft may already have eyes on either Windows Phone 8.5 or Windows Phone 9, in line with iOS and Android releases.

The exact date of July 8, comes just over two months before the software company also stops Windows Phone 7.8 support, on September 9.

Microsoft's decision to end support isn't all too shocking, given operating systems are updated rapidly to keep up to speed with the mobile space.

The question is which avenue will Microsoft and it's mobile strategy head down next? Onwards and upwards? Or down in the dumps? Tell us your thoughts below