Microsoft: Former Nokia CEO Controls Xbox, Hardware and Games

The former head of Nokia is set to take over Xbox development and other Microsoft departments.

Techcrunch reported that Julie Larson-Green will be stepping down from being in charge of Microsoft's hardware departments. In her place is Stephen Elop, the former CEO of the Nokia. Being in charge of Microsoft's Devices and Studios departments means that Elop will be in charge of Xbox, the Microsoft Surface tablet and Microsoft Studios.

Given Elop's history and Microsoft's acquisition of much of Nokia's properties in 2013, Elop's focus in these departments will most likely be on the Xbox One's future and on the furthering of the Windows Phone in order to contend with the likes of Apple. Julie Larson-Green will now lead Microsoft's Applications and Services departments, which focuses on the likes of Skype, Bing and Microsoft Office.