Jul 17, 2014 05:41 PM EDT
Microsoft CEO Confirms Nokia Devices Will no Longer Support Android

In a company-wide email that confirmed Microsoft would be eliminating 18,000 jobs, the company also confirmed that Nokia devices will no longer support Android.

Towards the end of the email, CEO Satya Nadell said that Nokia Devices and Services team will be integrated and that Microsoft will be focusing on "breakthrough innovation" for future handsets.

"In addition, we plan to shift select Nokia X product designs to become Lumia products running Windows," he added. "This builds on our success in the affordable smartphone space and aligns with our focus on Windows Universal Apps."

Nadella outlined plans for a "leaner" business in a public memo to employees last week, so the announcement shouldn't come as a big surprise.

It seems that Microsoft is trying to make a unique "one OS" experience across all of its devices, instead of continuing to confuse the brand by adding its rival, Android, to the mix.

"We will be particularly focused on making the market for Windows Phone," said Stephen Elopp, executive vice president. "In the near term, we plan to drive Windows Phone volume by targeting the more affordable smartphone segments, which are the fastest growing segments of the market, with Lumia."

Elopp confirmed that, in addition to the portfolio already planned, Microsoft will deliver additional lower-cost Lumia devices, by shifting select future Nokia X designs and products to Windows Phone devices.

"We expect to make this shift immediately while continuing to sell and support existing Nokia X products," said Elopp.

Approximately 12,500 of the layoffs will come from eliminating overlaps with the Nokia, which Microsoft purchased for $7.2 billion back in April.

About 25,000 people were added to Microsoft after the Nokia purchase was completed, pushing its headcount to 127,000.

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