Microsoft has recently confirmed that Windows phones are no longer a priority for the company this year, as it focuses on a series of other projects, and this has made many believe that Redmond is finally willing to give up on its mobile platform.

That’s not the case, says Aaron Woodman, Senior Director, Windows Marketing, in an interview on the sideline of the Build 2016 developer conference.

In an interview with Russian website Hi-Tech (Google Translate version here), Woodman explains that Microsoft still “believes in the smartphone market, so we’re not giving up,” describing Windows Phone as “the most secure mobile operating system.”

“You know, when we first entered the market of smartphones with the new OS, we had big ambitions. But in reality it turned out that the market does not reflect the dynamics of our desires. Let's be honest, we could have been better,” Woodman said (Google Translate version without our own modifications to make sense).

“Android and iOS are doing good”

Woodman went on to explain that both Android and iOS are excellent platforms, emphasizing that competition is good for the entire market and eventually for customers.

“If you look at the last 4-5 years, you will see the explosive growth of mobile technology. I must admit that our competitors make excellent products. And so, the buyer choice. But this does not mean that our product is bad,” he continued.

Windows Phone market is more widely adopted in Europe, and Woodman says that it is businesses that are supporting this growth on the Old Continent.

But on the other hand, even the strongest Windows Phone markets are starting to post declines, partly because the Windows 10 Mobile is only available for select devices. This caused more criticism against the company, although Microsoft clearly explained that the upgrade was held back for some devices because it wanted to provide the best possible experience for everyone.

In the end, the good news here is that Microsoft still thinks Windows Phone has a place in its vision, so everyone should be looking forward to 2017.