The NYPD's grand experiment with Windows Phones is coming to an end.
Following its start as a trial program in 2014, the New York Police Department (NYPD) made the move to equip all 36,000 officers with Windows Phones in 2016. Now, the New York Post reports that the NYPD is looking for the exit ramp as it prepares to ditch all 36,000 devices in favor of iPhones by the end of the year.
The main cause of the switch, according to the report, is that Microsoft ended its support for Windows Phone 8.1. The force now sees the Lumia 830 and 640 XL devices, which is purchased as part of a larger $160 million initiative, as obsolete.
Blame for the sudden shift is already being laid at the feet of NYPD Deputy Commissioner for IT, Jessica Tisch. According to the Post, one source had some harsh words concerning the decision to spring for Windows Phones in the first place.
The NYPD's fleet of Windows Phones supported a range of custom apps built for Windows Phone 8.1. Presumably, in addition to the cost of making the switch to iPhone, the force will have to contend with developing another batch of custom apps as well.
