As Nokia's device and services division hurtles towards a merger with Microsoft, word of the Finnish firm's long-rumored Android phone has resurfaced.
The company's Android handset is codenamed Normandy, according to sources of The Verge. The codename - apparently one of several for the clandestine phone - appeared in November along with an alleged photo courtesy of Twitter tipster @evleaks.
An Asha phone
Nokia has reportedly been developing the phone despite the impending sale to Microsoft. Because of the acquisition situation, it's unclear whether Nokia will attempt a release of Normandy before the deal is done. If it decides not to, then it's equally uncertain whether Microsoft will keep Normandy afloat post-merger.
The smart money is on a big "No" for Normandy under Redmond's order.
Interestingly, Nokia's Android handset is supposedly designed to be an on par with its Asha line - a lower-end phone that will deliver traditional smartphone apps to consumers.
Because Series 40-powered Ashas have failed to do just that, Nokia wants Normandy to pick up the slack.
The handset is said to be "full steam ahead," with a release pegged for sometime in 2014.
The attitude within Nokia may be gung-ho, but the clock is ticking for Nokia to launch its take on Android. Regulatory hurdles are falling left and right for the Microsoft deal, and a closure can't be more than a few months away.
- Speaking of Microsoft, check out our full Xbox One review!
