Microsoft has acquired Nokia in what amounts to a $7 billion deal. Microsoft will manage the Devices and Services business of Nokia, including the company's mobile and smart devices. This means that the Asha, Lumia and X series are now under the banner of Microsoft. Nokia's design teams, employees, supply chain, developer relations, accessories, manufacturing plants and testing facilities (Store, MixRadio, etc.) will also be managed by Microsoft. The mapping entity of Nokia is not included; however, although a 10-year licensing agreement was approved by Microsoft.

Since the announcement of the merger, there have been speculations that this could mean Nokia will finally be fitted with superior hardware and software that is appealing and can be on par with Android and iOS. The merger should not worry Nokia device owners, however, since all Nokia phones will work as is and all warranties will be honored by Microsoft. The same goes for Window Phone owners.

Microsoft may be adding extra "photo-enhancement" tools to Windows or perhaps use Xbox features to strengthen Nokia, especially since Microsoft wishes to over a unified user experience across all devices. The "Windows Everywhere" concept would certainly be great when taking a picture using a Lumia with the help of OneDrive, where you could get the image to be your Windows or Xbox background.

With the marketing and outreach team of Nokia being now handled by Microsoft, they would be able to intensify the app store, particularly as the Windows Phone has started to pick up speed in the handheld market.

With Microsoft managing the software and the hardware of most of Windows Phones, we can expect to have a more customized and integrated mobile experience similar to Apple's iPhone, Google's Nexus devices or even the newer edition of Microsoft's Surface tablet.

Microsoft can use its template to design its Windows phones and, with the superb cameras of Nokia's Lumia, Microsoft can polish up the Windows Phone so photo editing and sharing will be more faultless. The merger may be too soon but we can only hope that it will be a fruitful one that will benefit its customers.