As most of you will be aware, Microsoft’s deal to acquire Finnish telecommunications outfit Nokia was recently given the rubber stamp of approval by the relevant bodies overseeing such takeovers, and even though ties between the two firms have been fairly close for years now, the software giant has gradually been integrating Nokia’s staff and product lines with its own business model. As a part of this ongoing process, Microsoft is said to be on the cusp of licensing the iconic Nokia brand, and according to leaked info, may opt for “Nokia by Microsoft” labeling on its smartphone line-up.
As per info provided by perpetual leaker Evleaks, a Twitter handle usually reliable with such inside information, Microsoft may also be planning to make some adjustments to the Surface tablet range, with the software maker considering a switch to the recognized “Lumia” moniker. Certainly, this would be a significant alteration, particularly given that Surface is just starting to build its reputation after a couple of years in the marketplace, and although Lumia is synonymous with feature-rich, quality products, one has to wonder whether such a change would set Microsoft’s tablet endeavors even further back.
It’s no secret that the Windows maker has struggled to compete with the likes of Apple’s iPad in tablet space, and while opting for the Lumia moniker may help the Surface line-up to gain traction, there’s also the danger that the clear distinction between smartphone and tablet will be lost. With this in mind, we’re taking the Evleaks claim on the Surface / Lumia matter with a pinch of salt, but “Nokia by Microsoft” would certainly make a great deal of sense.
To be frank, Microsoft should probably have acquired Nokia a couple of years ago, and given how heavily-rumored the acquisition was even prior to the release of Windows Phone 8, you feel that Microsoft would perhaps be in better stead right now if it had acted earlier.
Nevertheless, with Nokia under its belt and the impressive Windows Phone 8.1 now in development, the company has a solid chance of competing with its rivals, and whether by “Lumia,” “Nokia by Microsoft” or some other name, we just hope that Nokia’s tradition of building great products is only but enhanced by the influence of Microsoft.
(Source: Evleaks)
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