Android-Powered Nokia Normandy Set For MWC – Report

Speculation that Nokia is preparing to launch an Android-powered smartphone has intensified, with a new report suggesting that the soon-to-be Microsoft subsidiary will announce the handset at Mobile World Congress (MWC).

The Wall Street Journal says the smartphone, possibly called the Nokia Normandy or Nokia X, will make its debut in Barcelona later this month, and will target emerging markets where the Finnish manufacturer has previously enjoyed success with its Symbian phones.

Previous reports have suggested that Nokia engineers had been working on the handset since before Microsoft announced it was acquiring the Finnish manufacturer’s devices and services business for £4.6 billion last August, but has continued with the project because apparently Windows Phone doesn’t work on low cost devices.

Nokia X

The Nokia Normandy is expected to run a forked version of Android, similar to the Amazon Kindle Fire, which would push Microsoft and Nokia services such as Bing, Skype and HERE maps, while, contrary to a recent product listing, would not use the Google Play store but a Nokia marketplace.

While the decision by Microsoft not to bin the project might appear strange given its ongoing commitment to Windows Phone, the thinking is that the firm could be prepared to release the smartphone to increase sales and offset the cost of competing against the likes of Google, Samsung and Apple in the high-end market.

It would also increase the number of users of its services and could encourage users in developing markets to purchase a more expensive Lumia smartphone when they upgrade.

Previously leaked specs claim the handset will boast a four-inch FWVGA display, a five megapixel camera and dual SIM capability. It will apparently be powered by a dual core 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage which can be expanded by up to 32GB through a MicroSD card slot and will feature support for 3G but not LTE networks.

Nokia says it does not comment on rumour or speculation.

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