Microsoft rumored to drop 'Phone' from Windows Phone, losing Nokia near the holidays

When Microsoft acquired the Nokia mobile division it bought the rights to the Lumia name, but not to Nokia, which lives on a separate company. In that sense, the notion that Microsoft eventually phases out Nokia branding from its products is of little surprise since they have to do it.

A new report from the site Geeks on Gadgets claim that this transition period takes effect as soon as the Lumia 730 and Lumia 830 hit the shelves. In other words, those will be the last Lumia devices with the Nokia name emblazoned on them. Considering Microsoft is not suspected of any new Lumias until 2015 – possibly with 'Threshold' – the effect will not be felt for some time.

A more curious aspect of the scoop by Geeks on Gadgets is that Microsoft is also phasing out 'Phone' from Windows Phone. Once again, signs of this have already started, most notably the 'HTC One for Windows,' which curiously dropped Phone from its name. Indeed, sources familiar with Microsoft's plans have told us in the past that what we now know as 'Windows Phone' may not be in 2015.

Dropping 'Phone' may seem odd until one considers 'Threshold' and the unification of the Windows OS with Phone/RT versions. As a result, there should only be a Windows desktop OS for traditional PCs and a Windows mobile version for phones and tablets, all sharing a single layer for Modern apps. The Xbox One is also expected to be a part of this union. With 'one' Windows behind it, Microsoft would have an easier message to sell to consumers as the same experience on your PC can be had on your phone, tablet or laptop.

The phasing out of Phone is already taking place with the HTC One for Windows, but other instances of Phone not appearing in ads or commercials is expected to continue going forward, with just the Windows logo being used. Indeed, under the Lumia 830's rear cover, 'Microsoft Mobile' is visible instead of Nokia (see image above).

In the end, come spring 2015 the Microsoft landscape could look very different to consumers, but boasting a single, clear vision.

Source: Geeks on Gadgets

Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007, when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and watches. He has been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.