Microsoft (MSFT) May Alter Several Mobile Device Product Names Over Next Several Months

Just like how video killed the radio star, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) might end the Surface brand name.

Or, maybe it won't. Reports out over the weekend speculate that Microsoft is in final stages of licensing the Nokia brand from Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and that the next round of smartphones might be called Nokia by Microsoft. Further commentary suggests that it might be a transitional period, with the Microsoft name being the ultimate endpoint after a few smartphones are released under the Nokia by Microsoft moniker.

What about Surface? Some market watchers believe that Microsoft might simply rebrand tablets running Windows RT under the Lumia line, while the Surface Pro series will retain the Surface name. That means the smaller Surface tablets might actually be a Lumia product, which might be one reason for a delay.

Again, this is pure speculation. However, Microsoft's bad luck with Windows 8 and the initial two Surface tablets might have the software giant looking to distance itself slightly. Windows 9 is expected out before the middle of next year and, given that the Lumia name came with Microsoft's purchase of Nokia's Devices & Services unit, it might make sense to keep the name afloat.

Shares of Microsoft are down 0.6 percent.

You May Also Be Interested In

• The Coca-Cola Company and Microsoft announce five-year strategic partnership to accelerate cloud and generative AI initiatives
• Boeing (BA) Talks For Spirit (SPR) Purchase Only Progressing Slowly - Bloomberg
• Blackstone (BX) Nears Deal to Sell Control of S.Korean Pharma Wholesaler Geo-young to MBK Parnters for Over $1B - Reuters