Today was a very strange day for Nokia and Microsoft. Stephen Elop was visibly excited and nervous about their new Android devices. Every time he would say the word “Android” it was quickly followed with a mention of some Microsoft service. He did not want to upset the giant company that is bailing his company out.
That’s what made the day so strange. Microsoft actively campaigns against Android and tries to get people to #switch. They are very close to finalizing their deal to buy Nokia’s hardware division, which means when that goes through they will now own Android devices. A very strange thing for a company that has had many battles with Google and their OS.
The big question on everyone’s mind after Nokia unveiled their Android devices was “what does Microsoft think about this?” Joe Belfiore is the only person to speak on the behalf of Microsoft so far, and he didn’t have great things to say.
“Some things we’re excited about, some things we’re less excited about. Whatever they do, we’re very supportive of them.”
We get the feeling that Microsoft will not be continuing the “X line” after the acquisition gets finalized. There is no reason why Nokia can’t pump out devices at the same cost as the X when they don’t have to pay Windows Phone licensing fees. Right now is a strange and awkward time for the two companies as they wait for the deal to be final.
[via CNET]
