Microsoft retreats from phone business with massive job cuts - CNET

Microsoft is continuing its retreat from the smartphone business with massive job cuts in its devices division.

The company announced on Wednesday that it would be axing 1,850 jobs in addition to the 4,500 jobs cuts that were announced last week, along with the sale of the feature phone business, said ZDNet.

The majority of the job losses affect employees in Finland, where Nokia, which Microsoft purchased in 2014, has always had its base. In addition to the job cuts, the company is writing off $950 million.

Microsoft won't be writing off smartphones completely though, ZDNet reported. Chief Executive Satya Nadella said that the company will be focus on business customers interested in security and manageability. It's also possible that the company still plans to introduce a new range of small mobile devices in spring 2017, as previously announced.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.