While rumor mills have not yet ceased swirling speculations around the long-awaited Microsoft Surface phone, mounting evidence hint that the purported smartphone will run on a full version of Windows 10 operating system (OS), unlike some current Lumia devices that run a Windows 10 Mobile OS.

Although a few optimistic gadget freaks believe Microsoft Surface Phone 2016 release date is slated for this year, the Redmond-based tech giant has neither confirmed nor denied these speculations. Further adding fuel to this theory, tipster Evan Blass shared a slew of images of what many claim as the 2016 Microsoft Surface Phone. The speculations stemmed from the fact that the leaked images showed the device running Windows 10, Pocket-lint reported.

Those anxiously waiting for the Surface Phone 2016, brace yourselves! It looks like the leaked images were not of a new Surface phone but a Windows phone manufactured by Dell (internally dubbed as Dell Stack), according to a report on Venture Beat.

According to Blass, the phone is a lot more than just a concept phone, contrary to what many deem it to be. In addition to the leaked photos of its cosmetic appearance, he also gave tech buffs a sneak peek of some lifestyle images of the device.

Considering the thickness of the Dell phone, it seems unlikely that it will be powered by an Intel chip, according to some media outlets. Aside from this, rumors are running rampant that the phone would arrive with a companion laptop.

Interestingly, the software giant recently booked the domain, Surfacephone.com which redirects visitors to Microsoft's official website. Although Microsoft is leaving no stone unturned in its bid to keep the status of the new Surface phone under wraps, a URL being prepped indicate the company may be currently working on the much-awaited device. In addition to Surfacephone.com, the company also acquired a couple of other URLs including Surfacecar.com and Surfacelaptop.com.

As far as Microsoft Surface Phone 2016 release date is concerned, multiple sources claim it will most likely be in 2017 provided the company pushes through with its release. Meanwhile, others hazard a guess that the new Surface Phone will not hit the store shelves until 2018.

Until official confirmed, readers are advised to bear in mind that these are mere speculations and they should be taken with a pinch of salt.

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