In a wholly unsurprising move, Microsoft has revealed it is to stop making Android powered Nokia X handsets following its acquisition of the Finnish phone maker.
With Nokia having announced its first Android powered smartphone just weeks before finalising a takeover deal with Microsoft, the Redmond-based giant has now confirmed it is going to put a quick stop to its outputting of Android products.
Although the Nokia X line of devices all run a hybrid version of Android, designed to support Microsoft’s services, they still mark an unwanted backing of the lead rival to the company’s growing Windows Phone platform.
Making the announcement in a note to employees, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed all Nokia X products would become Windows powered Lumia devices.
“We plan to shift select Nokia X product designs to become Lumia products running Windows,” Nadella stated. He added: “This builds on our success in the affordable smartphone space and aligns with our focus on Windows Universal Apps.”
As well as ditching Android, the Microsoft CEO outlined how the company will evolve its full smartphone portfolio moving forward.
“The first-party phone portfolio will align to Microsoft’s strategic direction.
“To win in the higher price tiers, we will focus on breakthrough innovation that expresses and enlivens Microsoft’s digital work and digital life experiences.”
The announcement comes as Microsoft confirms it is to make 18,000 job cuts across all arms of the business, although the Nokia division is set to be the hardest hit.
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