Nokia has been long rumored to be working on Android based devices, both smartphones and tablets, despite its commitment to Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform. And just last week, we reported that the company is in full swing to release its first handset, codename Normandy, powered by Google’s mobile OS under the Asha brand. Well, the entire notion of developing Android devices post Microsoft deal seems to have been put on hold.
According to Chinese website C Technology, Nokia has apparently abandoned the Android project which was being developed by Peter SkilIman who’s currently the head of design for HERE. Based on details revealed through insiders, the dissolution of the project isn’t due to concerns of intervention by Microsoft.
A real Asha. Or Lumia? The Nokia Normandy. pic.twitter.com/Q4jpPNte1l
— @evleaks (@evleaks) November 25, 2013
Instead, the company is looking forward to flexible screens, graphene sensors, augmented reality and wearable technologies. The company has already been rumored to be working on smart glasses and watches, but what isn’t clear is which platform will it support or will the giant develop these technologies for future Windows Phones only? Nevertheless, the news of Nokia dropping Android support will come as a big disappointment to fans.
The Nokia Normandy has been under speculation for months now. However, it wasn’t the only one in the Android project. The report notes that the Finnish giant was working on multiple other devices which operate on forked versions of Google’s mobile OS. There’s even mention of codename Mountain City and Xiaolong which feature Snapdragon 400 processors. These devices were said to have heavily customized interfaces.
Nokia’s deal to sell its devices business to Microsoft has been approved by the shareholders and regulatory authorities around the globe. The contract states that the Finnish giant isn’t allowed to use its brand on mobile devices for a period of 30 months.