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. 

Microsoft and Nokia to complete merger on April 25

Mark the date. Microsoft has just announced the exact date when it will complete its acquisition of Nokia’s (or should we say Microsoft Mobile?) devices and services business. According to a blog post by Microsoft’s General Counsel Brad Smith, the merger will take place on April 25, Friday. All legal hurdles are said to be cleared at this time. After the merger, Microsoft will be in charge of Nokia’s website and social media presence for up to a year. Former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop will be in charge of the devices division at Microsoft, where he will also report directly to CEO Satya Nadella. 

Source: Engadget

Leaked supplier letter claims Microsoft to rename Nokia Oyj to Microsoft Mobile Oy

Microsoft is reportedly planning to rename Nokia once their deal closes soon. According to a letter sent to suppliers, Nokia Oyj will become Microsoft Mobile Oy, a wholly-owned subsidiary that will become Micrososft’s mobile devices division. Based on the copy of the letter obtained by Nokiapoweruser, the suppliers were told that the terms and conditions of their contracts will not change when the acquisition is completed.

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Microsoft tries to gain traction for Windows, OS will be free for mobile devices

Microsoft wants to make sure its Windows operating system gets out there more. According to Engadget, the company has announced that hardware makers will gain free access to Windows if they plan to use it on smartphones, tablets with screens under nine inches, and on Internet of Things gadgets. Let’s see how this strategy pans out for them.