Microsoft is just about done removing the last vestiges of Nokia from its ranks. The company has announced a new streamlining of its phone business, which has resulted in some 1,850 people being laid off. Most of these were from what was once Nokia’s Devices and Services division.
This move is the last step in removing the Nokia brand from Microsoft, although it CEO Satya Nadella continues to insist that the company is still working in the smartphone space.
At the same time, Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Windows and devices group, sent an email to his staff explaining what this news means for the company. According to Myerson, Microsoft is “scaling back” its efforts with phones and devices. He said that this does not mean that the company is completely leaving the space, which leaves the door open for the much rumoured Surface Phone.
In any case, it wouldn’t make sense for Microsoft to completely abandon development of mobile devices. The company is pursuing a universal strategy with its Windows platform; and that includes catering to mobile users. Although, at this point it seem like Windows phones are in a downward spiral.
[Source: Ars Technica]
