In a most likely move to ditch its ancient and much-criticized Symbian operating system, Nokia chief executive Stephen Elop (left) and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced that Nokia has teamed up with Microsoft to create smartphones catering to Microsoft's Windows Phone software.
Both Nokia and Microsfot are hoping to revive their fortunes in a market where they once thrived in but have struggled to keep up with.
Although Nokia remains the mobile industry's number one firm, it's market share has dropped dramatically since the introduction of the iPhone and Android operating systems. While Microsoft has released a promising smartphone OS, it hasn't really been supported by the major phone makers.
Mr Elop said: 'Today, developers, operators and consumers want compelling mobile products, which include not only the device, but the software, services, applications and customer support that make a great experience.'
Nokia, which claims 1.3billion daily users of its devices, said it hopes the 'broad, strategic partnership' with Microsoft will lead to capturing the next billion users to join the Internet in developing growth markets.
The company said that it will also announce new leadership team and organizational structure 'with a clear focus on speed, results and accountability'.
'Nokia is at a critical juncture, where significant change is necessary and inevitable in our journey forward,' Mr Elop said, adding that the company was aiming at 'regaining our smart phone leadership, reinforcing our mobile device platform and realising our investments in the future'.
