Is Microsoft working on a Surface-inspired phone?

Microsoft kept the Lumia brand and has stayed true to its design principles to date, but is it currently working on a Surface-inspired handset?

Microsoft recently unveiled its slate of Windows 10 devices, including the Surface Pro 4 and two new Lumia handsets, the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL. But it also had one more surprise in store, its first laptop, called the Surface Book. Now, the question is, “Is Microsoft working on a Surface phone?”

Microsoft’s Panos Panay joked that he gets asked about that a lot when speaking with The Verge. He didn’t indicate whether or not it will pursue a Surface phone, but did drop hints about Microsoft’s overall product line-up.

He said that Microsoft wants a “consistent thread” between products. "I think what you have to think with overall devices is making sure we are able to get that consistent premium fit and finish that people are expecting from Microsoft," Panay explained.

“I think we are in a great spot right now," says Panay. "You always work off the foundation as a starting point, and this foundation we've got is phenomenal and the consistency will come."

This involves "consistency across design" and "consistency across craftsmanship.” The Lumia handsets don't quite match what we've seen bearing the Surface name. So we may see these two brought closer together, even if the Lumia name is here to stay.