Microsoft hails 'Lumia' as new Nokia brand name

Software giant unveils the changes on Facebook

Microsoft is preparing to ditch the Nokia name on its Windows Phones, adopting the Lumia brand instead.

In a post on Nokia France's Facebook page, the firm said: "In the coming days, you will receive a message from Facebook on the renaming of this page. We are about to become 'Microsoft Lumia'! Stay tuned to learn more soon."

Microsoft completed its €5.4bn (£4.57bn) Nokia buyout in April. Shortly after the deal closed, Stephen Elop – who used to be Nokia's chief executive but became leader of Microsoft's Mobile business after the acquisition – admitted the brand would not survive for too long.

The software giant only acquired the mobile arm of the Finnish firm, which still exists as a separate entity.

Microsoft was unavailable to comment but it confirmed to The Verge that other countries will be following in France's footsteps and adopting the Lumia name in the coming weeks.