HERE for Android. Image: Nokia.

Samsung has reached an agreement with Nokia to secure exclusive rights to its HERE maps service as it looks to give its Android users a new alternative to Google Maps. The new HERE app for Android will only be available on Galaxy-branded smartphones and tablets, and there will be a HERE companion app for Samsung’s new Gear S smartwatch.

Microsoft is hoping to appease Chinese workers who are unhappy about its massive layoff plans by offering them a free smartphone. Up to 300 employees can claim a free device every day, but only if they agree to resign.

Microsoft today confirmed that it will not be making any more smartphones that run Android, despite recently announcing the Nokia X2 and fresh speculation surrounding an Android-powered Lumia. Future Nokia X handsets will run the software giant’s own Windows Phone operating system instead.

While it’s great to see Nokia producing Android handsets — especially after its acquisition by Microsoft —  its existing Nokia X family consists only of affordable devices with entry-level specifications. That could change soon, however, with the launch of an Android-powered Nokia Lumia smartphone.

Nokia today announced its first Android-powered smartphone since it was acquired by Microsoft. It’s called the Nokia X2 and it’s a slightly improved version of the Nokia X that was announced at Mobile World Congress back in February. In addition to dual SIM card slots, it has a faster processor, more RAM, and a better camera.