Opera software to become new face for Nokia Store, Microsoft

In an agreement signed between Microsoft and Opera Software, Nokia Store will be replaced by Opera Mobile Store as the default app store for Nokia feature phones, Symbian and Nokia X smartphones.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2015, people who access Nokia Store from Series 40, Series 60, Symbian, Asha and Nokia X devices will be automatically redirected to Opera Mobile Store, where they will be offered the opportunity to become customers of Opera Mobile Store and have access to tens of thousands of apps for their Nokia phones.

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

"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. 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," said Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software.

The process of migrating customers from Nokia Store to Opera Mobile Store is expected to be complete in the first half of 2015, at which point Nokia Store will be closed.