Microsoft has officially acquired Nokia's Devices and Services division, after applying for the $7.1 billion deal back in September of last year.
"Today we welcome the Nokia Devices and Services business to our family. The mobile capabilities and assets they bring will advance our transformation," Satya Nadella, Microsoft's new CEO, said of the acquisition. "Together with our partners, we remain focused on delivering innovation more rapidly in our mobile-first, cloud-first world."
What does this mean for gamers? Well, Stephen Elop, Nokia's former CEO, will now serve as executive VP of the Microsoft Devices Group, taking the place of Julie Larson-Green. In this role he will oversee Microsoft's Surface, Lumia, and (most importantly) Xbox hardware divisions. Don't forget that this is the guy who not too long ago expressed an interest in selling off the Xbox from the company entirely.
The future of Xbox is headed toward an interesting future. At least gamers can rest assured knowing Phil Spencer is heading up the Xbox platform itself.
