Shortly after Microsoft has purchased Nokia’s Devices and Services division, it became clear to many that the days of the “Nokia Lumia” are counted, as the Redmond-based company will, at one point, stop officially manufacturing and selling the “Nokia”-named device. That moment has arrived, as official information from Nokia (on its Conversations page linked at the source below) informs the world that “Nokia Lumia” is now officially becoming “Microsoft Lumia”.
After applying the new brand name, in stages, to websites, packaging and other consumer touch points, it is now time for the phones to be branded Microsoft as well, as seen in the attached image. Tuula Rytilä, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Phones at Microsoft, is sharing some more details on what this rebranding really is, and what it means for the future of Microsoft’s phone business.
Local webpages are going through the rebranding as we speak, and, in the very near future, social media channels will also get the new Microsoft Lumia brand. As far as devices are concerned, Tuula doesn’t go into many details, but hints that a “Microsoft Lumia” is going to land soon, as the first smartphone to wear this brand: “I wouldn’t comment on future product announcements, but what I can say is that that we are looking forward to unveiling a Microsoft Lumia device soon. This is of course a natural progression as all devices that once came from Nokia now come from Microsoft.”
As far as the experience is concerned, we should rest assured, according to Tuula, as it will not change: “the Lumia promise of great phone experiences will remain the same as our customers have come to know and love. What’s more, Lumia phones will also showcase the best of Microsoft’s services such as Office, OneDrive, Skype and Bing to help customers with their work and personal lives.”
As far as current phones on the market are concerned, those who still wear the Nokia Lumia brand, these will not become obsolete, as Microsoft is committed to offering continuous support for devices like “the recently announced Lumia 830 and Lumia 730/735”.
However, Microsoft will continue to sell Nokia phones. Tuula explains the the Redmond-based company will continue selling “Nokia-branded, entry-level category of phones, such as the Nokia 130. We have licensed the Nokia brand for such devices“.
Are you excited about the possibility of owning a Microsoft Lumia, or were you proud to call yourself a Nokia Lumia owner?
Source: Nokia Conversations