It wasn’t long ago at all that we told you that Julie Larson Green was, as the head of Microsoft’s entertainment and devices division, the new head of Microsoft’s Xbox division – and how nice it would be to finally have a woman in charge. Well, it didn’t last long.
As you’ve likely heard, Microsoft is set to acquire Nokia’s smartphone division – and as part of that deal, Nokia’s CEO will take over. IGN’s confirmed that Nokia CEO Stephen Elop will join Microsoft and lead an "expanded devices team," and that that team includes the Xbox division.
Larson-Green will continue to lead the team until the acquisition is final, making Elop the big boss of Xbox. After that, Larson-Green will be working under Elop. Microsoft’s had a bit of a crisis of management recently, with personality-free former Xbox head Don Mattrick jumping ship to Zynga, and sweaty, bald Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer set to retire within the next year.
Elop is himself actually a former Microsoft employee, having been the head of the company’s Business division, overseeing Microsoft Office production. As fun as it would be to blame him for Nokia’s downfall (and the N-Gage!), he’s only been in charge since 2010.
Last Updated: September 3, 2013
Umar Final Fantasy 15 Hopeful
September 3, 2013 at 14:36
I actually had an n-gage back in the day..I thought I looked cool holding that phone side ways to make a call
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
September 3, 2013 at 14:40
I had a side-talking taco too 😛
If something could play games, I had it at one point. 😛
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
September 3, 2013 at 14:41
You remind me of my cousin. He now owns a PS VITA over a PS3.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
September 3, 2013 at 14:44
I have both. :/
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
September 3, 2013 at 14:47
Errrmmm..do you also have a Kinect?
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
September 3, 2013 at 14:57
No one admits to owning a kinect… no one! It’s like the game glove… You just don’t speak about it… to any one!
RinceThisandCochon!
September 3, 2013 at 14:59
Or the Virtual Boy *shudders…
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
September 3, 2013 at 15:01
Oh… dear heavens… the virtual boy….
That Tall Twit
September 3, 2013 at 15:07
>.<
OVG
September 3, 2013 at 15:11
Made real men.
RinceThisandCochon!
September 3, 2013 at 15:12
Made real BLIND men…
OVG
September 3, 2013 at 15:17
You telling me. Playing Turtles on split screen was like trying to see what the fudge is going on in today’s 3D films. All a blur of CG with only the borders being in focus.
Anon A Mouse
September 3, 2013 at 15:17
Made real men BLIND, there fixed it for you.
RinceThisandCochon!
September 3, 2013 at 15:18
Dis is da interwebz, u sutzup!
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
September 3, 2013 at 15:10
No Kinect is allowed near my Xbox.
Mike E. Delta
September 3, 2013 at 17:05
I admit it! So what were you saying? =p
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
September 3, 2013 at 15:06
Yes. 🙁 Actually went and bought it, with my own damned money, when it launched. I am an idiot.
Bought PS Move too. I never learn.
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
September 3, 2013 at 15:09
Gamer confessions :/
RinceThisandCochon!
September 3, 2013 at 15:13
This is right up there with that 50 Shades of Grey. It’s like smut, but with games instead…
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
September 3, 2013 at 15:14
And an Asian guy being quizzed by a Banana. I’ve seen enough o_0
Mike E. Delta
September 3, 2013 at 17:06
…because it uses your body. oooooh… =p
TiMsTeR1033
September 3, 2013 at 14:42
I could say something about asain people but i wont… lol
RinceThisandCochon!
September 3, 2013 at 14:54
Doing well today! 😉
Umar Final Fantasy 15 Hopeful
September 3, 2013 at 14:46
Me too, lol I lost my sh*t when I was a wee lad and they came out with Dr. Mario watches. The N-gage was cool, I liked having a gaming handheld and phone. I just didn’t like having a constant taco boner in my pocket
Ricardo Harvey
September 3, 2013 at 16:32
well have you seen the size of King PIe Boners people carry around today?!
I loved my ngage, was really ahead of its time when it launched
Admiral Chief Assassin o'Kings
September 3, 2013 at 14:41
Did Elop elope?
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
September 3, 2013 at 14:42
Elop actually helped Nokia out of their darkest times and they are finally turning over a profit.
Lets just get it straight that Elop will oversee all of MS.
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 15:04
ok, so when you actually say something that makes sense (last sentence excluded), you get down-voted.
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
September 3, 2013 at 15:09
Yes. Poor fools can’t handle the facts.
Last sentence is reference for Elop becoming the new CEO of MS as hinted earlier by Balmer.
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 15:10
perhaps. maybe he will. I would like to see first, the shareholders may well have their own candidate in mind, but it does seem awfully convenient to announce CEO leaving, then a week or so later buy company that has a man tipped by some for the position.
TiMsTeR1033
September 3, 2013 at 14:43
I am very worried about this move, Look at Nokia they had to rent their own building in finland they soo broke! they old news now they bring the ceo to Ms and ole Steve Ballbag just carries on, cant wait for that piece of shit to leave… he took Ms to the dogs i tell you and Windows 8 bullshit.
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
September 3, 2013 at 14:50
What’s your gripe with WIndows 8? Windows 8 is now on more PC’s than every copy of OSX. Windows 8.1 will have over 300+ new features including DirectX 11.2+.
TiMsTeR1033
September 3, 2013 at 14:51
I still think windows 7 was better thats all. they should of made it like win 7 but better not all this tablet like feel to it, half the old programs dont work. Its a mess. hopefully 8.1 fixes all the previous mistakes.
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
September 3, 2013 at 14:53
You are ill-informed. Software from a decade ago still works on Windows 8. The tablet interface looks sucky but you can always add a start button to the desktop mode and set it to boot right into it.
TiMsTeR1033
September 3, 2013 at 14:56
Then why does a whole bunch of people told me older software doesnt work, drove them back to win 7….
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
September 3, 2013 at 15:02
I would be skeptical of said people.
Uberutang
September 4, 2013 at 09:42
Can confirm I have stuff that does not work on Win8. Re-installed 7.
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 15:04
nah, we found that old software works fine in Windows 8, not like, say, Windows Vista, where a lot old / oldish software just died.
this is software written in VB 5,6, Delphi 3,4,5,6,7, that sort of old. Late 90’s stuff and the compiled stuff all worked ok.
HvR
September 3, 2013 at 15:19
As long as you stay away from any real tiem clock and com libs you should be fine.
Most of my issue have been driver or driver related software and VPN stuff that works fine and then Win8 does a “security update” and it breaks.
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 15:26
indeed, but I have seen similar problems with Windows 7, security level stuff, that worked fine on Windows XP. Wrote a dongle, talks to hardware, security type stuff. Oops, windows 7 gave it the middle finger unless run as Admin, which is not ideal.
Real time clock? I would not know.
but com Libs? Got some VB6 stuff that downloads data over Rs232 that works fine in Windows 8. I think TCP code from back in the day would die, though.
HvR
September 3, 2013 at 15:33
See you are in the manufacturing environment (think you mentioned it previously).
Brings back memories, somebody ask me to update a random little factory app. Then you check out the source and it was created in Delphi 3 when I was hitting puberty; so stupid little change takes days just to track down the company’s copy of Delphi 3 somewhere in a warehouse cupboard.
Edit:
I think my main gripe with every MS OS is that they FORCE the change before the OS has reached maturity which causes so much pain and rage.
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 15:40
I know. I know. I needed a borland C++ 5 compiler to update some piece of archaic crack (crap?). You cannot buy it, I asked people to download it. They failed. I failed. We all failed. So, update code and project to new compiler.
Luckily nowadays I do very little of that (code): I ask other people very nicely to do it 🙂
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 15:27
also a few years ago, MS would update XML library and SQL Server Management studio would die. Then roll back update, move on. Some Photoshop stuff as well. Classic.
Wesley Fick
September 3, 2013 at 15:04
Not everyone uses the exact same set of software. Windows 8 runs perfectly well for me.
TiMsTeR1033
September 3, 2013 at 15:15
but the tablet style kills what so many knew as windows.. sure make the tablet style on tablets and phones but not on laptops or desktop pcs.
Kromas
September 3, 2013 at 15:05
16 bit software tend to have that effect on a 64bit OS. 😛
Matthew Holliday
September 3, 2013 at 14:53
Windows 8:
Great on phones.
shit on computers.
tried it out, hate the new mobile style UI
its why windows 7 was so succesfull, it was a better version of XP/vista, not a new/revolutionary everything
Kromas
September 3, 2013 at 15:02
It is human nature to resist change but then again the only constant is change. I hate the UI but I can not and will not deny that windows 8 brings the power. As long as they don’t force me to use their crappy app store and as long as steam still works (as it is not supported) ill keep using windows 8.
PS. You can completely bypass most of the UI and never have to deal with it easily enough.
PPS. You can also get you’re start button back (if you really need it but I have found it wasteful since windows xp (then again that’s me))
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 15:02
it is truly great on phones. Fast, on low end hardware too
HvR
September 3, 2013 at 15:17
It was clearly designed for touch screen devices, working on it you get the cheap port feeling. Like the original PSOne to PC ports.
I will give it to MS that it more stable than Vista and there is a bit of a performance increase over Win7 (start up times etc) but as soon as you use it for more than the basics the wheels come off.
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 15:30
to the point that if my wife was not stopping work and baby was coming, I would consider getting a touchscreen for the home pc.
It must run windows for some University stuff for the wife, so we installed (AND purchased) windows 8. It needs a touchscreen.
Matthew Holliday
September 3, 2013 at 14:49
so basically Microsoft PAID Nokia to buy Xbox and pretend its still a Microsoft product?
Wouldnt say Nokia is sucking atm, The Lumia is a fantastic phone.
heck, even the N9 that I have is great, aside from the shitty Meego OS.
Im a die hard Nokia fan, every phone Ive had has been a Nokia, I like Nokia so much that Im considering getting the Lumia 920, which is almost a year old, instead of a iPhone or S4
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
September 3, 2013 at 14:51
“so basically Microsoft PAID Nokia to buy Xbox and pretend its still a Microsoft product?” huh??? Nokia owns Xbox???
RinceThisandCochon!
September 3, 2013 at 14:55
INCEPTION! 0-O
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 3, 2013 at 15:12
Again? RECEPTION! …geddit? again… phone…reception…. 🙁 it was funnier when I first thought of it.
RinceThisandCochon!
September 3, 2013 at 15:17
BOOM! http://gifs.gifbin.com/300sw07sw358.gif
Sageville
September 3, 2013 at 15:30
Noooooo!
CypherGate
September 3, 2013 at 15:31
Damn… that just looks wrong
Matthew Holliday
September 3, 2013 at 16:14
Bros never let bros forget legs day.
Matthew Holliday
September 3, 2013 at 15:42
it was a joke:
Xbox buys Nokia, but part of the deal was putting the Nokia boss in charge of Xbox.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
September 3, 2013 at 16:02
lol, it’s like you invade a country, pillage their villages and then give their king the keys to the throne.
Corporations make no sense! If this was still the middle ages, Elop’s head would be used for target practice.
Matthew Holliday
September 3, 2013 at 16:23
I dunno, I think its a good move for both of them, I just think its funny that Xbox technically paid Nokia to take over.
The fact that Nokia got such a deal out of them, means that this new management is going to turn Xbox into a powerhouse.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
September 3, 2013 at 16:46
The Fins will save Microsoft. just like Lordi once saved Eurovision!
FINLAND FOR THE WIN!
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 16:54
Sounds like any corporate “merger” I have ever been a part of.
TiMsTeR1033
September 3, 2013 at 14:53
nokia is on its way out soon Nokia will be but a distant memory
CypherGate
September 3, 2013 at 14:55
I dont think juuuuust yet. If you look at how Blackberry is doing and HTC, Blackberry will go first and then either HTC or then Nokia. Thing is that Nokia can still possibly survive since Microsoft is around and there latest phone (Lumia 1020) is actually a seriously brilliant phone. 41mp camera with some seriously advanced feature. I still prefer Sony though. Sony Z1 all the way! ^_^
Anon A Mouse
September 3, 2013 at 15:20
Blackberry will not go. They’ll go back to their niche market and stop trying to compete with Samsung and Apple.
BTW Nokia 3310 FTW.
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 15:22
Well, 6310i, I had both and it was the better phone for me.
CypherGate
September 3, 2013 at 15:30
Blackberry can only survive if there current restructure works and even then they are looking at a possible buyout from big corporations to help them. Nokia 3310 I FULLY AGREE!
Matthew Holliday
September 3, 2013 at 16:01
finally, news of a new nokia, quite literally been waiting for this befor I upgraded my phone.
CypherGate
September 3, 2013 at 16:09
http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_1020-review-952.php check this link out. Very good phone where media is concerned, but if you look at the performance spec sheet then its almost similar to my Sony Xperia S which is about 2 years old now. I still think its a brilliant phone (Lumia 1020) cause of its media features and camera.
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
September 3, 2013 at 15:06
WP8 is the currently the fastest growing mobile OS. The low-end Nokia WP8 devices come across as a better valued proposition as opposed to the Android alternatives. Things like Nokia Maps and free navigation for life are some of the things to look forward to.
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 15:14
I am not sure. I have two of the low end phones and the build quality is just amazing. Of course, that may be a reason for them to go under, cannot afford to build that well anymore.
TiMsTeR1033
September 3, 2013 at 15:17
well BB is going under because they failed to keep up with andriod and ios phones its that simple really. I mean even bbm is now going on other phones what once made bb so elite is now the norm..
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 15:22
too true.
but I have had my lumia 520 for two weeks now (I picked up my Galaxy Pocket+ and chucked it in anger – it is a bad phone, disconnnects, network issues, that sort) and the phone works very well as a PHONE. Same house as with samsung, no lost network, no phone looks on and looks like it has signal anymore. That is good, very good.
as to Windows Phone 8, I find it very fast and responsive: I use work type apps, calenders and stuff like that. Some PM tools syncing and everything is super fast, works nicely. Does it have mass appeal? I am not sure. My wife got her Lumia 920 because: A) she hated my Samsung Pocket+ and B) she said iPhone is a fashion accessory, so she went other way. She is very, very happy. She is into social media and it works very well for her.
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
September 3, 2013 at 15:25
I read on Engadget that the Lumia 520 was sold out in the US. $99 over there. Wish it was the same price here 🙁
What sets Nokia phones apart from Android is you don’t have to go out and download apps to do basic things.
Matthew Holliday
September 3, 2013 at 16:12
What sets Nokia apart from Android / iOS is build quality.
The current Nokias are almost as unbreakable as the 3310i
Ive had my N9 for 2 years, dropped it, thrown it, kicked it etc and I cant find a scratch.
theres none of this instant shattering when you breath on the screen, the glass is tempered and curved for extra strength and the casing is single piece.
Matthew Holliday
September 3, 2013 at 16:06
BB has been doing shit internationally for ages.
South Africa is one of the biggest Blackberry user nations in the world, purely because of their free internet packages.
countries that actually have decent internet dont care about that seeing as they all use wireless anyway.
BBM was never a selling feature, BBMs success was just a side effect.
Matthew Holliday
September 3, 2013 at 16:01
Well, they are moving into the mobile gaming scene more and more, especially with them being involved with xbox now.
I dont think Nokia as a business is on its way out, but maybe as a phone producer.
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 15:08
I bought the 520. Great little phone. R2000. Much better than an Android of the same price, just streets and streets ahead.
Compare the 920 with top end Android? I am not sure. According to reviews and stuff, it compares very, very well, but I do not personally know.
Remember the 920 weighs a lot (my wife has one), not so much fun for a pocket.
Matthew Holliday
September 3, 2013 at 15:53
Got an N9 currently, weight and size wise, theyr pretty similar.
I just like Nokias, they feel right.
iPhones are quite comfortable, but the S4 is just meh, not a fan of how it feels.
Sting-Ray
September 3, 2013 at 21:31
Getting my 925 in the next day or so… muuch lighter than the 920… (the 920 is 10g heavier than my E7)…
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
September 3, 2013 at 14:58
RIP Nokia! 🙁 I’m actually kind of sad to hear that they’re now a part of Microsuck! :/
RinceThisandCochon!
September 3, 2013 at 15:03
“And on this day, September 3, 2013, Jim did but open the gates to hell, unleashing upon himself a most furious wave of fanboyism. Little is know of what happened to him. Some say his spirit roams the halls of Redmond, others he’s buried under the dying dreams of DRM. One thing is certain, Foxhound was smiling…”
That Tall Twit
September 3, 2013 at 15:04
Upvote to both of you.
Brady miaau
September 3, 2013 at 15:13
Yeah, to upvote, you normally, well, um, upvote. right?
TiMsTeR1033
September 3, 2013 at 15:14
noobs
Zubayr Bhyat
September 3, 2013 at 15:01
As bad as this may sound, I think this is going to work in Microsoft’s favour. They needed to have more people with them with hardware experience in mobile. Seeing that the restructuring is including Xbox, there’ll be convergence between the console and mobile systems. That should be interesting.
Sageville
September 3, 2013 at 15:28
The Jacket must be a heavy burden…
Lardus-Respect the beard
September 3, 2013 at 15:54
So desperate to replace a woman, they buy an entire company to do get a man? Trololol!
SaintsRowLee
September 3, 2013 at 15:59
Crap! There goes my planned “I like to Play Games” erotic fan fiction idea!
CRAP!CRAP!CRAP!
iPrimal
September 4, 2013 at 05:53
Stupid Microsoft…..