Congrats on the acquisition. Now maybe MS can expand its WP customer base via hardware. My customers, friends, and associates shy away from WP8 not because its not easier to use, better interface, uncluttered, stable, somewhat secure, and technically current but because of the availability of useful apps. When we/they travel, shop, transact business, they find that local and national vendors (e.g., hotels, restaurants, government agencies, auto manufacturers, sporting events, golf courses, retail stores, etc.), they find lots of apps to download for iPhone and android phones but almost none for WP8. Buying Nokia will do little for this vacuum in app availability.
MS needs to immediately focus on (1) getting buy-in by m-phone carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile Sprint, etc.) regarding WP8 phone, (2) expand apps development to include user life endeavors, and (3) incorporate phone technology in the Nokia phone that permits using a single phone on many m-hone carrier platforms.
When I walk into a Verzion or AT&T store or reseller organization, I find that I have to force them to demo a WP8 phone, Generally the first advertisements you see are for iPhone then Android phones with little if any materials about WP8. Two months ago I approached Verizon to become a reseller (I own a computer/IT/programming support company) and was told to "get rid of the WP8 phone" or "you'll never convince your potential clients to buy from you". I was told in no uncertain terms to get an iPhone or Android phone if I "wanted to make some money as a reseller".
The typical user of mobile phones is highly concerned about apps that "make their life easier". Apple and Google are proof that to sell phones, typical user centric apps are a must.
To move from one m-phone carrier to another, users typically must buy a phone that supports their "approved spec". Dah! Provide Nokia phones can transform form carrier to carrier without "dumping a good phone at a significant loss" to buy "a similar if not exact phone" with the new carrier. It should be as simple as changing a SIM card or user account/user ID/password. My friends/associates are approaching the FCC, our federal senators and reps, and state representatives to encourage them to mandate a standard for easily moving between carriers and phone manufacturers. An object oriented approach to accommodate easy movement between carriers. e.g., I want to keep my current version of my Nokia phone when I transfer from Verizon to T-Mobile.
It is the coolness factor. We already know that the