Windows phone discontinued?

You don't need to use Google everything, but it's just easier on Android. You'll have to try and see for yourself what suits you better. I switched 3 years ago and haven't looked back. I do not miss anything from Windows Mobile, not a one single app or functionality. I cannot imagine using a Windows phone today.

I use stock Google apps for almost eveything now, and it is just so much easier than having to compromise what I could do on my Windows Phones. 

And, not trying to start a fight, but why do you trust Microsoft over Google?

I don't. I am agnostic about the spiritual beauty and trustworthiness of both. I use Microsoft Office software in  business so it is easier to use the same software on my phone.

Having said that, when Google photo trawls through my photos to recognise faces common to my photos, and asks me to link them to email addresses, I wonder what Google will do with that facial recognition information, whether they will sell it, and how well they will protect it.

But Microsoft has its own privacy issues, so we are just choosing between Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

Good question though.

I prefer their phone platform more. As a search engine google is becoming redundant as Amazon is replacing a good portion of what they do. Im upgrading ( maybe) to a lumia 950 XL or an Hp Elite. Still evauluating that one. Apple phone? Dont like going to their store everytime theres a problem. They have lost a bit there. And with recent update issues regarding older phones they have lost trust as well. Bill Gates is another matter. What better person could there be to defend capitalism? His company came under attack a few years ago under

Under antitrust bs. Yet he makes excuses for making profit. Why? He donates more than anyone. He should tell them to go to hell, you want to rob me then show your guns not your law henchmen.