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Ah, new year’s resolutions. As we head into 2013 it’s time to think about making changes where things aren’t working, and as Nokia struggles with eye-watering losses on Windows Phone, does a new interview hint at Android in the future?
Speaking to Spanish newspaper El Pais, Nokia boss Stephen Elop discussed the war between Windows Phone, Android and the different mobile phone ecosystems. An early translation suggested Elop coquettishly said, “Today we are engaged and satisfied with Microsoft, but any rotation is possible,” suggesting Nokia wasn’t ruling out Android.
But that was just a clumsy translation (or perhaps a misquote), as Nokia claims Elop actually said, “What role does Android or other things play in the future? We’re looking further into the future, but in terms of what we’re bringing to market, and what we’re immediately focused on, we’re focused on Windows Phone.”
Unequivocal support for Windows Phone there — for the immediate future. But Elop also adds, “What we’re always doing is asking, how does that evolve? What’s next?”
What indeed? Now I love Windows Phone, but with Nokia’s numbers in the toilet and Windows Phone still clinging onto the phone market by its fingertips, Nokia must surely be at least considering abandoning the Microsoft ship. Other companies like Samsung make Windows Phone phones and Android phones, so why not Nokia?
Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer insisted during his appearance at tech-stravaganza CES this week that Windows Phone sold five times as well this Christmas as last year, buoyed by the arrival of Windows Phone 8 and mobiles such as the Nokia Lumia 920. But until it sells a lot more there’ll always be more than a few voices nagging at Nokia to consider Android.
Do you think Nokia should make Android phones before Microsoft’s operating system finishes the Finnish company, or can Windows Phone 8 turn around Nokia’s fortunes? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
