Microsoft has announced that it is scaling back its mobile business. The firm has cut out 1,850 jobs and made an associated $950 million write off.

Microsoft has more or less ended it $7.2 billion Nokia buy out by cutting 1,350 jobs in Finland, though it has stated that it will help all of those impacted. 

An internal memo from Microsoft Executive Vice President for Windows and Devices, Terry Myerson, published on recode, promises that Microsoft isn't out of the mobile game but does need to re-examine its tactics:

"Windows 10 recently crossed 300 million monthly active devices, our Surface and Xbox customer satisfaction is at record levels, and HoloLens enthusiasts are developing incredible new experiences. Yet our phone success has been limited to companies valuing our commitment to security, manageability, and Continuum, and with consumers who value the same. Thus, we need to be more focused in our phone hardware efforts...

 I used the words “be more focused” above. This in fact describes what we are doing (we’re scaling back, but we’re not out!), but at the same time I don’t love it because it lacks the emotional impact of this decision. "

 

Myerson also stresses in the memo that Microsoft will continued to update and support its Lumia devices and OEM partner phones.

http://www.vgchartz.com/article/264476/microsoft-scales-back-mobile-cuts-1850-jobs/

I used to have a Windows Phone and I really liked it. The marketplace was trash, but I genuinely loved everything else, especially the UI. Sad.

Makes since considering how essh worthy WP is...

Does anyone know how many phones MS sell each year and how many Sony manage to sell? I'm sure MS makes more money too due to patents and licensing.

Imo they are just terrible compared to Android.  

This investment was a bad idea for Microsoft.  Another example of them being reactive to the market rather than pro active. 

does anybody makes money selling phones these days? Apple, Samsung and?

Sony will start making some money this year but it is so low that i dont think it matters, will see how Smartphone business evolves into the next years.

They are terrible compared to Android and iOS... Which are the only two platforms out there which aren't basically dead or dying... When the platform is lacking an official youtube app, they have done goofed...

But yea, it was a mess. RIP

Said this on the article, but so many lost jobs and disrupted lives, really sad news.

Sorry this had to happen for users invested in the platform and also for the jobs lost though...

I wonder what's the point of UWP? a Windows 10 initiative that was supposed to take advantage of the huge install base of Windows users to push Windows Mobile development. What's the point of universal Apps?