Microsoft signs up with Opera to replace Nokia Store

Microsoft has signed a deal with Opera Software for all Nokia feature phones to use the Opera Mobile Store as the default app storefront, in place of Nokia Store.

Nokia X smartphones, which run a version of Android, along with Nokia Asha devices and feature phones running the Symbian, Series 40 and Series 60 operating systems, will make the switch during the first quarter of next year.

Once the transition is made, Microsoft plans to close the Nokia Store, meaning users of more basic Nokia devices will only have access to the Opera Mobile Store, which provides access to nearly 300,000 titles.

"We continue to sell and support classic Nokia devices, which remain popular in many parts of the world," said Rich Bernardo, Vice President, Phones, Microsoft in a statement. "We're delighted to partner with Opera Software and continue to provide a reliable app store experience for consumers and developers alike."

"When the current users of the Nokia Store are migrated to Opera Mobile Store, they will continue to get fresh, interesting apps for their Nokia phones," added Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software. "The Opera Mobile Store becomes an even more significant player in the app store market, and Nokia mobile phone users get a first-class app store for years to come."

Opera says it is positioned to become the third largest app store in terms of downloads. The store features over 300,000 apps and games. Opera Mobile Store supports more than 7,500 different devices, including feature phones and smartphones.