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Microsoft Purchases Nokia's Device and Services Division to Unite Windows Phone Hardware and Software

This doesn't surprise me. I've been saying they would buy Nokia ever since Nokia received a Billion dollars from Microsoft to go exclusively Windows Phone. It was inevitable.

I don't think this will solve anything at Nokia or Microsoft though. Nokia should have gone Android like Samsung. They not only bet on the wrong horse but they put all their bets on it. Other companies like HTC and Samsung did release Windows Phones but they didn't stop making Android phones, that was smart it's called hedging your bets.
 
Way to go Microsoft, maybe Windows Phone will eventually see some growth now... or Nokia escaped a sinking ship :p

Unrelated: I like MacRumors sharing more than just Apple news. Don't get me wrong; I come here for the Apple news (and the decent community) but it's nice to be able to pick up the major events that occur in other companies without having to scour 50 other websites.
 
Hastings101 said:
Way to go Microsoft, maybe Windows Phone will eventually see some growth now... or Nokia just saved itself lol

Unrelated: I like MacRumors sharing more than just Apple news. Don't get me wrong; I come here for the Apple news (and the decent community) but it's nice to be able to pick up the major events that occur in other companies without having to scour 50 other websites.
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Maybe they should rename themselves to Apple & Industry Rumors?
 
As crazy as this sounds, I think this is actually a good move for Microsoft.

...

Though I don't believe they'll make a significant impact unless they streamline their focus even further.
 
Dave-Z said:
As crazy as this sounds, I think this is actually a good move for Microsoft.

...

Though I don't believe they'll make a significant impact unless they streamline their focus even further.
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Now it's time for MS to lay off 10-15K of their useless "lifers" who don't do anything but punch in 40 hours a week.
 
Every time I see big acquisitions I'm reminded of how impressive it is how big Apple has become considering its never made a large acquisition like this. Other companies buy growth and marketshare; Apple has done it organically.
 
Rogifan said:
Every time I see big acquisitions I'm reminded of how impressive it is how big Apple has become considering its never made a large acquisition like this. Other companies buy growth and marketshare; Apple has done it organically.
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Well Apple didn't have any legacy business to protect 10+ years ago. They were essentially free to embark on new things without worrying. Microsoft has had the shackles of the DOJ antitrust verdict along with trying to protect Windows preventing it from anticipating something like the iPhone.
 
People really think Microsoft bought Nokia??

Majority of Nokia share was due to low cost S40s but soon they were taken away by smart Androids. In corporates, Symbian was already a flop since beginning coz of BB dominance sand then Apple took over everthing. Nokia guys were already losing market share. Its a good decision by Nokia of getting sold to Microsoft rather heading towards bankruptcy like BB.

Well, I think Nokia saved his name by getting sold to Microsoft. :cool:
 
Oh Well!

Oh well. The Borg has assimilated another entity. I hope some of the talent from Nokia survives the process.

Nokia used to make great phones and had some nice designs.

It's a shame they didn't invest in the right people to write a decent operating system five years ago, while they had the chance. Instead they panicked and settled for Windows. At that point their destiny wasn't their own anymore.
 
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teejaysplace said:
I have a Windows Phone and I vastly prefer the Live Tiles to iOS, at least on a phone. It gives me far greater control over what's displayed on my screen, which at only 4"-5", has a premium of space. I can resize tiles, which I can't do on iOS; I can change their colour scheme, which I can't do with iOS icons; I can delete any tile I chose, which I can't do with all iOS icons; and some provide real time feedback which has never been a function of iOS icons. It is a different mobile experience that is, in some ways, better than iOS and, in some ways, worse. Among the main reasons it hasn't been selling is a dearth of app store software, when compared to both iOS and Android. Not to mention that the iOS/Android aesthetic has become so ubiquitous it has become difficult to get people to "think different", even when different could be better. My how the tables have turned.
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Amazing post!
 
smoledman said:
Well Apple didn't have any legacy business to protect 10+ years ago. They were essentially free to embark on new things without worrying. Microsoft has had the shackles of the DOJ antitrust verdict along with trying to protect Windows preventing it from anticipating something like the iPhone.
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No that's not accurate. MS had Windows Mobile for many years before iphone came out.
 
sabrex said:
Wow. So I guess Microsoft wants to follow Apple's business model instead of the model they've been following since inception.

Soon the only smartphones and tablets that will run Windows will be ones under the Microsoft brand and manufactured by their Nokia division. My guess is that the likes of Dell, HP, Sony, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus must be pretty pissed off right around now. Given the recent downfall of the desktop/laptop markets though, I can't say I'm surprised. Microsoft wants to control and define Windows smartphones/tablets, and doesn't really like to leave it to the OEMs to do that any longer. This is going to be very interesting indeed...
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Microsoft's strategy to sell software and the OS to OEMs worked well early on because early on, you needed cheap choices.

Now, that Apple has managed to show that the vertical business model works and is the future, Microsoft is shifting focus.

Apple's strategy was never intended for the personal computer as we all know, anyone can build a computer.

However, with electronics as the tablets and phones, it is crucial that same company that makes the software makes the hardware. This is where Apple's walled garden shines. As it does work well here.

Google's ploy is similar to what Microsoft did in the late 80's and all the 90's. But in the end, Google will also realize they need to vertically integrate, and I am betting HTC will be the one providing that integration.


And yes, I also see HP, Dell, Lenovo as nothing but remnant of an obscure era.
 
I own both MSFT and NOK

One is an eroded brand that's doing some disruptive things, the other is pretty much to Finland what Swatch is to Switzerland and I'm surprised they sold off the division

Politically it looks like a play to put Elop in a position to succeed Ballmer. For those of us that like WP8, it means no more carrier exclusive handsets since unlike Nokia, MS can actually afford the marketing costs
 
Surprised it took them this long. Seemed like it was inevitable since the first time Elop announced he would be getting in bed with MS.

Gee i wonder who the next MS CEO will be :rolleyes:
 
Why is everyone being so negative about this? Is this not finally a good thing that Microsoft is doing? The reason i like apple products is because of the software / hardware / service integration. Both Microsoft and Google are starting to do this as well. This is great for the industry as a whole, apple included

In many peoples opinion, Apples innovation has been stagnating. With competitors actually getting close it will drive apple to innovate more. Either that or someone will surpass apple.

Because of things like this we will all see better software, services, and devices. It's a win for Microsoft and all consumers, regardless of our current brand loyalty.
 
smoledman said:
Well Apple didn't have any legacy business to protect 10+ years ago. They were essentially free to embark on new things without worrying. Microsoft has had the shackles of the DOJ antitrust verdict along with trying to protect Windows preventing it from anticipating something like the iPhone.
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I'm no just talking about Microsoft, or even the tech industry for that matter. Apple is #6 (revenues) and #2 (profits) on Fortune 500 list. Back in 2006 Apple wasn't even in the top 100 on that list. Those massive revenue and profits have been generated without Apple ever making large acquisitions like other companies do. All organic basically. Which is quite mazing really.
 
If Microsoft could get some legit marketing, a new OS utilizng a start button & mouse on a large LCD screen/monitor (not touchscreen), and a legit manufacturer/supplier for their mobile market which they now have - I think we may see a legit comeback from MS...

They are the sleepng dragon in the big tech world...

Still though, the MS Marketing just sucks, and their mobile hardware manu co's are still not top tier for quality & build... But, time may tell with the latest news.
 
Renzatic said:
Doubt it. WP has been growing slowly and steadily since it first came out a couple years back. If MS can keep things going smoothly, they'll have their own goodly sized chunk of the marketplace by 2015, I think.
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Agree. I think they are going to be okay. It's going to take a few cheap handsets, but they're going to be better off because of it.

cdmoore74 said:
How is Android even involved? This news actually kills any chance of Android making it's way to Nokia devices. Not only does Tim Cook and company have to worry about Android they now have to worry about Nokiasoft. When Apple ends up in third place under this phony CEO you will remember this day.
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Most of the Android guys are sad about never getting a Nokia device with Android. :rolleyes: Apple doesn't care. They have the better developers and the better apps. Plus, the Windows Phone software works nicely on a Mac.
 
teejaysplace said:
You guys DO REALIZE that most of you chuckling at the purchase sound just like Steve Ballmer when the iPhone was released. Remind me again how that's worked out for him...
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I don't think it's ironic at all. There seems to be a big difference in laughing at a once tech giant buying a has-been handset businesses and an emerging giant releasing an innovative technology.

:EDIT:

To be clear, I think this was a good business move for Microsoft. They HAD to do this.
 
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