Fresh from the news that Microsoft is preparing to cut up to 18,000 jobs over the next 12 months, many of whom were taken on with the recent Nokia acquisition, it seems plans are afoot to spin-out at least one specific Nokia product as a standalone service.
Nokia MixRadio, a curated radio-style audio service that pivoted from its Nokia Music-branding last November, has generally received positive reviews since launch, despite it being restricted to Windows Phone in the mobile realm. Now, as the Guardian reports, it will likely become a separate company with those involved currently seeking financial backing from outside.
“Basically, we’re planning a spin-off,” explains Jyrki Rosenberg, who headed up MixRadio. “I’ve been meeting with potential investors around the world in the last few weeks. We have very strong interest from investors in the US, Europe and Asia, and we remain open for further discussions.”
A number of companies have spun out of Nokia in recent times. Just last month we reviewed the PulseOn heart-rate monitor wristband, which was initially developed in-house at Nokia before being introduced independently of the Finnish mobile giant.
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As for MixRadio, well reports suggest that it will continue to be loaded on Windows Phone devices, but this latest move could mean it will finally make it to Android and iOS too. Though it is still very early days.
➤ Nokia MixRadio spins out of Microsoft [The Guardian]
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