Nokia is likely working on an Android phone, despite ties to Microsoft

By Andy Boxall Published December 11, 2013

nokia lumia 925 android jelly bean edition — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nokia is apparently still working on an Android smartphone, according to a leak published by The Verge, and that despite the company being about to get out of the phone business, the project is running “Full steam ahead.” The device has been outed as codename Normandy, which was leaked twice during November, once alongside news of the Nokia Goldfinger, and again in the picture you see below.

However, before we start getting all worked up about a Google Play Edition Lumia phone again, the Normandy is supposedly designed to take on (or over from) the low-end Series 40 software, seen running on Nokia’s Asha phones. What’s more, the Android software is said to be closer to Amazon’s take on the OS, in that it’ll be a “forked” version and potentially almost unrecognizable as the Android with which we’re familiar.

Supposedly the software will still support Android apps, but sources speaking to AllThingsD indicated the choice may be restricted, forcing Microsoft apps – Skype and Bing, for example – onto users. The icons may be given a Live Tile makeover, so Android could end up looking a lot like Windows Phone.

Nokia has messed around with Android for a while, with talk of a device codename Mountain View turning up shortly after the Microsoft sale was announced. That phone was supposed to be a low-end, entry level device with a Snapdragon 200 chip, and could be a prior version of the Normandy.

But hold on, isn’t Nokia done with making phones? Well, yes, it is. It sold its devices division to Microsoft in September, and that sale has been approved. As we understand it, once the sale is finalized, Nokia won’t make phones and can’t use its name on any mobile phone hardware until the end of 2015. Microsoft will take control of the Asha name and Series 40 software.

Once Microsoft takes over as boss, the Normandy project runs the risk of being canceled, unless Microsoft wants to release a phone using its rival’s software. We also can’t imagine it being very happy if Nokia manages to push the phone out the door before Microsoft changes the locks. However, there’s still time for Microsoft to get onboard, so we’ll have to wait and see what early 2014 brings, which is the rumored launch window for the Normandy.

Topics

Senior Mobile Writer

Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…

Mobile

Microsoft Teams walkie-talkie comes to Android and iOS

Microsoft Teams walkie talkie.

Microsoft Teams has always had a walkie-talkie feature that allows users that are a part of the same underlying channels to connect smoothly through its web app. Now, this update can be accessed on both Android and iOS devices.The walkie-talkie feature is accessible with Wi-Fi as well as cellular network connectivity. The PTT (push-to-talk) feature landed nearly two years ago for frontline workers on the Teams app to ensure smoother communication during the early ravages of the pandemic. Only users within a particular channel can interact with each other, similar to two users from the same team who can have a private chat via Microsoft teams. Outside parties and users can only engage if they have been granted permission or have been added to these channels.
The walkie-talkie feature gives Microsoft an edge over its competitors such as Slack and Zoom. Image used with permission by copyright holder
Microsoft has teamed up with Zebra Mobile to implement this functionality. Currently, this feature is not enabled in the app, and the average employee can't do it themselves. To add it, organizations need to go to the "App Setup Policy" from the admin center. Once switched on, the feature will be available on the app within 48 hours. This walkie-talkie feature will also be present on a wide range of Zebra Mobile devices geared toward enterprise use. The combination of this Teams feature and the PTT button on Zebra devices helps easier access and connectivity for essential workers. Additionally, the Reflexis Shifts Connector will have general availability in Teams from January 2022. This connector would integrate with the Reflexis Workforce Scheduler (RWS) and sync in real-time for assigning and managing worker shifts, which could be useful for hourly employees and contractors.

Mobile

HMD Global shows its serious about U.S. expansion with 5 new Nokia phones

HMD Global's range of new Nokia phones at CES 2022.

HMD Global has big plans for the U.S. market, and at CES 2022 it has revealed a new range of devices that cost less than $250, all coming out over the next months. Buoyed by LG and ZTE both leaving the U.S., it has struck lucrative deals with T-Mobile, Tracfone, Verizon, and other carriers to supply Nokia phones on pre-paid contracts, including low-cost feature phones.

To help achieve its ambitious targets in the U.S. for the coming year -- it's targeting number one in feature phones, and number three in pre-paid smartphones -- it has announced five new U.S. exclusive phones that will arrive during the first six months of the year. Top of the list is an affordable 5G phone, followed by three 4G phones, and a new feature phone with Kai OS software onboard.

Mobile

AT&T just made it a lot easier to upgrade your phone

Do you want to upgrade your phone more than once a year? What about three times a year? Are you on AT&T? If you answered yes to those questions, then AT&T’s new “Next Up Anytime” early upgrade program is made for you. With this add-on, you’ll be able to upgrade your phone three times a year for just $10 extra every month. It will be available starting July 16.

Currently, AT&T has its “Next Up” add-on, which has been available for the past several years. This program costs $6 extra per month and lets you upgrade by trading in your existing phone after at least half of it is paid off. But the new Next Up Anytime option gives you some more flexibility.