In the lead-up to Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia, whispers circulated about the tech giant’s ambition to launch its own Windows Phone device, anticipated to debut in 2014 under the Surface branding. While this vision never materialized, recently unveiled images of a prototype have sparked intrigue, offering a glimpse into what Microsoft may have been developing during that period.
Unveiling the Raven Prototype
Known internally as possibly codenamed Raven, this prototype hails from the 2013-2014 era and operates on an early pre-release version of Windows Phone 8.1. Although details remain scarce, the device is powered by an undisclosed Qualcomm chip and boasts a 720p display. Its design features a Microsoft logo prominently displayed on the back, complemented by a sleek silver metal frame reminiscent of the Surface 2, which also launched in that same year.
The images reveal dedicated hardware keys for navigation, elegantly coated in the same silver hue as the chassis. The operating system appears to be an internal build from September 2013, part of the developmental journey that ultimately led to the release of Windows Phone 8.1.
(Image credit: Telegram/Discord)
While the images do not showcase every feature, reports suggest that the device includes individual volume buttons, a camera button on the right side, and a power button located at the top. Additionally, it is equipped with a micro-USB port and a headphone jack on the bottom, alongside a SIM card slot on the left side.
As Microsoft pivoted towards new ventures, including the development of the Surface Duo starting in 2016 and its eventual public launch in 2020, the company had already released several Nokia-designed models such as the Lumia 640, 650, 950, and 550, all running on Windows Phone. However, the platform was ultimately abandoned in 2017, leaving many to wonder what might have been.
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