Having just announced 18,000 job losses globally, Microsoft is also expected to stop developing Android-powered smartphones beyond those already available in a major strategic u-turn.

Windows Phone Platform
Microsoft acquired Nokia’s handset division earlier this year, while Nokia only unveiled its first family of Android phones at the Mobile World Conference in Barcelona early this year. This was seen as a strange strategy at the time given that Microsoft had its own mobile operating system, Windows Phone. As part of the reshuffle Nokia X models will now become part of the Lumia range and run the Windows Phone operating system, although existing Android handsets will continue to be supported.

Android to be phased out
Microsoft’s Stephen Elop, explained that Android handsets were being phased out as Microsoft “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.”