Done deal: Nokia now belongs to Microsoft

Nokia's mobile business (devices and services) is officially owned by Microsoft starting today, fulfilling an agreement both companies entered into last September. It is a Spring of change in the industry as Microsoft now lays claim to all the patents, expertise and some of the personnel that Nokia acquired through decades of being the leading mobile handset maker.

"Today we welcome the Nokia Devices and Services business to our family. The mobile capabilities and assets they bring will advance our transformation. Together with our partners, we remain focused on delivering innovation more rapidly in our mobile-first, cloud-first world," said Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella.

Canadian Stephen Elop, a former Microsoftie who took over Nokia in time to point out it was on a 'Burning Platform," ushered in the Lumia age of Windows Phone and will be returning back to his roots in Microsoft as head of the hardware division (yes that includes XBox, keyboards, mice and Surface). A fitting reward for a champion who divided and conquered a foreign army and brought home its best pieces and people.

"As Microsoft and Nokia Devices and Services come together as an expanded family, we will unify our passion, dedication and commitment to bringing you the best of what our joint technologies have to offer," Elop stated in his final memo as Nokia CEO. 

Nokia sets to battle budget Androids with new Nokia X devices

Nokia CEO Stephen Elop recently launched the new Nokia X family of budget smartphones targeting emerging markets. The Nokia X devices feature Nokia's popular look and construction but use a forked version of Google's Android OS. While the move to launching Android-powered devices seems contraryto Nokia's focus on Microsoft's Windows Phone OS, it makes perfect sense as a business decision.

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Nokia launches 5 new smartphones at MWC, including forked Android device line

Exciting news for Nokia fans in emerging markets, the company has revealed five new models highlighted by three Android powered smartphones released under its Nokia X line. Likely developed before Microsoft acquired Nokia, the models are The Nokia X is the entry-level model in the family, will cost €89, and is available immediately. The Nokia X+ offers more memory and storage for those who want to enjoy even more music, photos and video. It’s priced at €99 and will be available in early Q2 2014 and the Nokia XL packs a 5-inch screen, 5MP rear-facing and 2MP front-facing camera, great for Skype video calls. It will be priced at €109 and be available in early Q2 2014.

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