Microsoft talked with Nokia about buying devices unit: report

Microsoft Corp recently talked with Nokia about buying the Finnish phone maker8217;s devices unit,but the discussions faltered and are not likely to be revived,the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday in its online edition.

The Journal reported that 8220;advanced discussions8221; on a deal happened as recently as this month,according to unnamed sources it said were familiar with the matter. Microsoft rejected a deal because of price and Nokia8217;s loss of market share to rising Asian competitors,the report said.

Representatives of both companies declined comment.

Nokia8217;s smartphones exclusively use Microsoft Windows Phone software,under a deal the two companies struck two years ago.