Microsoft to abandon X-Series Android smartphones too

It hasn’t been long since Microsoft ventured into the Android market with its X series devices and the company has already revealed plans to abandon the series. With the announcement of up to 18,000 job cuts, the company is also phasing out its feature phones and recently launched Nokia X Android smartphones.

Here are excerpts of an internal email sent by Jo Harlow, who heads the phone business under Microsoft devices, to Microsoft employees: “Placing Mobile Phone services in maintenance mode: With the clear focus 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 strategic options for Xpress Browser to enable continuation of the service outside of Microsoft. We are committed to supporting our existing customers, and will ensure 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 transition developer efforts and investments to focus on the Windows ecosystem while improving the company’s financial performance. To focus on the growing momentum behind Windows Phone, we plan to immediately begin ramping down developer engagement activities related to Nokia X, Asha and Series 40 apps, and shift support to maintenance mode.”