In a series of news, Microsoft’s Stephen Elop has officially announced that Nokia X series devices will be discontinued (we never recommended them anyways) and the product designs may be relaunched with Windows Phone on the board. Here’s a quote of what Elop said in his email to the employees:
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.
It’s unknown if the already announced Nokia X2 will ever make way to the market or it will be discontinued straightway. Chances are that it will still be sold, but without any support.
Feature Phone and Asha entering Maintenance Mode
If a Tip received by NPU is true, Microsoft’s Jo Harlow has allegedly sent a memo internally with the following important context:
All the efforts now be focused on Windows Phone and Nokia X, Asha and Feature phones will be put in “maintenance mode” for an eventual shut down of services during the period of next 18 months. There will be no new features or updates for these platforms and developer engagement will be ramped down.
If this memo is true by any means, we’re finally heading towards end of Nokia branded devices. Microsoft initially licensed the Nokia brand for over 10 years for feature phones, but they have already started making plans to discontinue the same. Feature phones and Asha have been the only Nokia devices which were selling in great volumes, but Microsoft seems unsatisfied with the sales.
Nokia MixRadio and Xpress Browser are also supposed to be put into Maintenance Mode receiving no more updates and finally heading towards final shutdown.
So basically there will hardly be any new announcements for the dirt cheap feature phones, mid ranged Asha phones and the Nokia X devices. Lumia will be the only point of focus for the new Microsoft Mobiles division.
Source: NokiaPowerUser
