Microsoft is to stop developing Android-powered
smartphones beyond those already available, the
BBC understands.
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.
The move comes as Microsoft announced 18,000
job cuts across its workforce.
The tech firm acquired Nokia's handset division
earlier this year.
Nokia unveiled its first family of Android phones
at the Mobile World Conference in Barcelona in
February.
The release of the smartphones, which were
priced at the lower end of the market, was
described as a "perplexing strategic move" at the
time, given that Microsoft had its own mobile
operating system, Windows Phone.
In an email to employees on Thursday, Stephen
Elop, Microsoft's executive in charge of mobile
devices, announced that Android handsets were
being phased out.
"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."
Ben Wood, an analyst at CCS Insight, told the
BBC the move was designed to drive sales of
Microsoft's Lumia range, which has lagged behind
handsets from competitors such as Apple and
Samsung.
"Everybody was scratching their heads when the
Android phones were unveiled in February," he
said, adding that the decision had been made
before Microsoft's takeover of Nokia.
However, Mr Wood said, phasing out the Android
devices was a strategic decision, designed to
"take the work Microsoft have done on the
hardware [of Nokia X models] and drive the Lumia
price points to much lower levels

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-28348534

Yay! Now Nokia under Microsoft can focus completely on Windows Phone OS, dabbling into Android was a drunken idea when they had their own solid platform to build and support.