Microsoft to shift Nokia X products to Windows Phone

Looks like Microsoft has no long-term plans for its budget Android-running smartphones as it has revealed that it will shift select future Nokia X products to become Windows Phone-powered Lumias.

In memos written by CEO Satyella Nadella and mobile device chief Stephen Elop announcing a massive reduction of its workforce, the two Microsoft chiefs also mentioned that the company will shift select Nokia X product designs to become Lumia products running Windows Phone, making them an addition to Microsoft’s lineup of budget smartphones while continuing to sell and support existing Nokia X products.

“We will be particularly focused on making the market for Windows Phone. In the near term, we plan to drive Windows Phone volume by targeting the more affordable smartphone segments, which are the fastest growing segments of the market, with Lumia. In addition to the portfolio already planned, we plan to deliver additional lower-cost Lumia devices by shifting select future Nokia X designs and products to Windows Phone devices. We expect to make this shift immediately while continuing to sell and support existing Nokia X products.”
– Stephen Elop

As for its high-end Lumias, Satyella Nadella stated that the company will “focus on breakthrough innovation that expresses and enlivens Microsoft’s digital work and digital life experiences.”

In summary, we can now abandon all hope of seeing a future Nokia smartphone running Android OS. It’s just Windows Phone from now on.

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