Looks like a Microsoft Surface Phone 2017 release is just around the corner with CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2017 in January being the most likely release date window. Other sources hazard a guess that Microsoft will unveil the oft-rumored smartphone at the MWC (Mobile World Congress) 2017.

Interestingly, Microsoft has launched a web page where important MWC visitors and partners can arrange a meeting with the company during the upcoming mobile industry gathering, which is slated to take place in Barcelona from Feb. 27 to March 2, 2017.

The rumor mill is now rife with all sorts of speculations surrounding the Microsoft Surface Phone 2017 release date. Meanwhile, tech pundits suggest that Microsoft is not ready to unveil the new Surface Phone yet and will just shed more light on the company's progress in bringing the much-awaited device.

Despite riding high on the success of its Surface Pro line, Microsoft has been unable to penetrate in the global smartphone market. This failure can largely be attributed to the lack of a developer's favored Android and iOS operating systems on its devices. However, it looks like things are likely to change in 2017 with Windows Phone-based smartphones taking center stage.

Microsoft, in collaboration with Qualcomm, recently announced plans to enable a full Windows 10 support to devices powered by the Snapdragon processors.

Trotted out as the first ARM-based processors, these will enable users to run full desktop apps on both PCs and phones. There is also a strong possibility that the company wants to just discuss the developments with partners at the event, still keeping the Microsoft Surface Phone 2017 under wraps, according to TrustedReviews.

Microsoft Surface Phone 2017 Specs & Features

Deemed as an iPhone killer by zealous tech buffs, the new Surface Phone is expected to boast an array of jaw-dropping specs and features such as Snapdragon 835, a mammoth 6GB of RAM, and Windows 10 Mobile Redstone. Another highly touted feature of the upcoming smartphone is Continuum, which is basically a productivity tool that's capable of transforming a phone into a big-screen projector. Here's how it works:

In order to see content and apps on a larger screen, users need a dock or adapter that can be connected to a monitor or a TV. Once connected, users can see their content and browse through their apps on a larger screen, according to a blog post on Microsoft's official website.

Moreover, the Microsoft Surface Phone 2017 is expected to feature Quick Charge 4.0 for faster charging. There's also hearsay that Microsoft will oust some popular Nokia Lumia features.