Microsoft is on a rampage and downsizing the company to the tune of 18,000 employees. What is a bit more interesting about the figure though is that 12,500 of those are going to be from the Nokia branch. I can’t say that I am all that surprised though. While we never like to hear that such a mass amount of people will be laid off, it is even more disheartening to find out that they will kill the Nokia X line in the process. (the Android side of it anyways) At least, according to a letter to employees from Stephen Elop;
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.
I can’t say that I am all that surprised though. Many of us had high hopes of a Nokia quality built Android device and the Nokia X was more of an experiment. When Microsoft bought them we knew it wouldn’t take very long for that side of things to be closed down. At least they say they will continue to support the device and sell the stock. All that means to me is that they will drop prices to clear them out and maybe do a few app updates. I highly doubt it will see any Android OS updates.
Source: AndroidGuys
