[Update: We've heard from Nokia on this matter and we have their response after the break]
According to an interview with Stephen Elop, the Nokia CEO is apparently open to other platforms, namely Android. Previously, Elop has stood by Microsoft and has reiterated the company's focus on improving its Lumia line of smartphones, cloud-based services and its partnership with the software (and now hardware) giant. Is the future of Nokia still uncertain? Sure. Are they considering Android? Not right now.
Spanish website El Pais asked Elop if the company is considering to launch a mobile phone that runs Android. The CEO responded with the following:
"In the current ecosystem wars we are using Windows Phone as our weapon. But we are always thinking about what's coming next, what will be the role of HTML 5, Android... HTML5 could make the platform itself—being Android, Windows Phone or any other—irrelevant in the future, but it's still too soon to tell. Today we are committed and satisfied with Microsoft, but anything is possible."
Windows Phone 8 has only been available in multiple markets since September last year. Hardware is still launching in multiple markets, including the likes of China and India. Nokia is continuing to push forward with marketing campaigns, as well as partnerships with carriers and retailers to further build brand awareness. Recent AdDuplex data is showing Nokia in a dominant position within the Windows Phone ecosystem.
While Nokia Windows Phone 8 hardware have been met with positive reviews from consumers and the media, Windows Phone itself has a lot to prove to convert those who are still favouring iOS, Android, BlackBerry or other platforms. The company will continue to consider what's coming around the next corner, as is each and every technology company, but we're seriously doubtful for an Android Nokia smartphone.
The above quote should be taken as is. Nokia has invested too much into Windows Phone to change direction now. Elop closes with the statement that the company is indeed committed and satisfied with Microsoft, but of course anything is possible. It's wise to never say never, but for now we can remain confident that Nokia is focused on Windows Phone.
Update: Nokia categorically denies that what Elop said implies anything different from what he has stated over and over for months now. In other words, there is once again nothing to see here except some Android fantasies, bad reporting and perhaps some translation issues. Below is the verbatim transcript of the interview regarding the Android question:
"Do you rule out 100% launching a smartphone based on Android in 2013?Elop: So, the way I think about it is, in the current war on ecosystems, we are fighting with Windows Phone. That’s what we’re doing. Now, what we’re always doing is asking, how does that evolve? What’s next? What role does HTML5 play? What role does Android or other things play in the future? We’re looking further into the future, but it terms of what we’re bringing to market, and what we’re immediately focused on, we’re focused on Windows Phone."
via: Neowin
