It is not long that Microsoft ventured in the Android market with X series devices and the company has revealed its plans to abandon the series. With the declaration of up to 18,000 job cuts, the company is also phasing out its feature phones and just launched Nokia X Android smartphones. Here are some excerpts of an interior email sent by Jo Harlow to employees:
Placing Mobile Phone services in protection method: With the clear hub on Windows Phones, all Mobile Phones-related services and enablers are planned to move into maintenance mode, effective immediately. This means there will be no new features or updates to services on any Mobile Phones platform as a result of these plans. We plan to consider planned options for Xpress Browser to enable continuation of the service outside of Microsoft. We are committed to supporting our existing customers, and will make sure proper operation during the controlled shutdown of services over the next 18 months. A detailed plan and timeline for each service will be communicated over the coming weeks.
Transitioning developer efforts and investments: We plan to changeover developer efforts and investments to focus on the Windows bionetwork while improving the company’s financial performance. To focus on the growing thrust behind Windows Phone, we plan to immediately begin ramping down developer engagement activities associated to Nokia X, Asha and Series 40 apps and shift support to maintenance mode. We are committed to supporting our existing Mobile Phones customers, and will make sure proper operation during the planned controlled shutdown of services over the next 18 months.
