Pictures of next-generation Microsoft smartphones leak online

Following poor market values of their smartphones for quite some time now, Microsoft has plans to announce new handsets in October, according to reports, but they may have already been leaked online.
Images were leaked on Twitter on Wednesday purporting to show off the upcoming Microsoft smartphones. The first leak came from Brad Sams, a Microsoft reporter at news site Neowin, that shows an image he said would be known as the Cityman. Evan Blass, who has become a veritable source for product leaks and information, upped the ante by showing off what appear to be official press images of another device to be called the Talkman.


Since Microsoft has not confirmed that the images are legitimate, it's impossible to know whether the devices pictured in the photos are the real thing or just concept art. Still, they seem to follow rumors that have already surfaced around Microsoft's plans for new smartphones and appear to be official photos that would typically accompany any product announcement.

Last week, CNET sister site ZDNet's Microsoft expert Mary Jo Foley outlined the company's possible plans for its mobile division, saying that the company is eyeing a potential event for October that would be used in part to announce new smartphones. Foley said that the devices are currently codenamed Cityman and Talkman and will run on Windows 10 Mobile.
Foley's report followed another report in July from Microsoft-tracking site Windows Central, which shared rumor specifications for the Talkman and Cityman. According to that site's sources, the Cityman will feature a 5.7-inch quad-HD display, a 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon 810 processor, and a 20-megapixel camera. Those specs would effectively make the Cityman Microsoft's flagship handset, while the Talkman, which will reportedly come with a 5.2-inch screen and a slightly slower processor, would appeal to customers seeking a mid-range product.

Although the leaked images include no mention of specs, they seem to showcase some of the features expected to come to both devices, including their large screens and matte finish. The smartphones may also come in different colors, with the Talkman featuring both a blue and black backplate in the leaked images.
For now, though, until Microsoft says something about the images, their legitimacy should be taken with the proverbial grain of salt. As October fast approaches, it's likely more leaks will showcase Microsoft's upcoming devices, but it's highly unlikely Redmond will confirm anything until its official announcement.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.