Since last year, and perhaps even earlier, it was evident that Microsoft"s mobile platform was becoming less of a priority. After a massive fall in the tech giant"s market share, major firms started pulling their apps from the Store. Microsoft"s confirmation of an end in the development of Windows 10 Mobile back in October proved to be the last straw, marking the way out for other major companies like Gameloft, Starbucks, and Delta.
Now, Navigon will be joining the ever-growing list of high-profile firms that have abandoned Windows phones in the past few months. The Würzburg-based company will be discontinuing its app for Windows mobile devices in May.
The GPS Navigation company has provided the following information regarding its decision:
As Microsoft ended the support for Windows Phone, we decided to leave the platform with a heavy heart. Starting May 2018 it will no longer be possible to purchase the NAVIGON App incl. its In-Apps. Active In-apps (such as FreshMaps) will continue to work and we will provide map updates within the purchased period.
Current users of Navigon have also received a similar message regarding the imminent discontinuationof the app. .
Interestingly, numerous recently discovered patents have indicated that Microsoft will be launching a "Surface Phone" at some point in the future - a device which is expected to run UWP apps. However, keeping in mind the number of developers and firms abandoning the platform, it will be interesting to see how the tech giant faces this growing, albeit expected, concern.