Rumour: Nokia and Microsoft preparing line of Windows Phone 7 smartphones

by Steven Mostyn - Dec 21 2010, 07:16

When it comes to Nokia-branded handsets, the first mobile operating system (OS) that springs to mind is Symbian—which has long since been the software of choice for the Finnish mobile phone manufacturer.

However, that partnership could be about to change following the emergence of rumours suggesting that Nokia is currently engaged in talks with Microsoft regarding a new line of Nokia smartphones powered by Windows Phone 7.

According to renowned Russian tech blogger Eldar Murtazin, discussions between the two industry giants were recently initiated by Nokia boss Stephen Elop—who just so happens to have served as president of Microsoft’s Business Division before joining Espoo-based Nokia in September.

Given the liberal amount of bluster Nokia poured over its recently released Symbian 3 software platform, it seems somewhat unlikely that it would choose to completely eschew its well-established operating system in favour of Windows Phone 7.

However, IDC analyst Al Hilwa has suggested some form of Windows deal could provide Nokia with an “agnostic and opportunistic” opening with which to strengthen the position of its devices against the likes of onrushing Samsung and LG.

“I would say that [Windows Phone 7] has much greater alignment with Nokia’s intellectual property DNA than [Google] Android,” commented Hilwa in an eWeek report. “I believe an alignment between these two vendors is a win-win in the industry.”

Any such deal would also provide Microsoft with the possibility of improving its chances against rival OS platforms such as Google Android, Apple’s iOS, and RIM’s BlackBerry OS—especially in Europe where Nokia remains a powerhouse. 

Neither Nokia nor Microsoft has offered up any official comment on the rumoured talks.

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