The giants are in talks. Aren't they always (they're in the phone business after all?) In fact the most surprising story of the year would have to be headlined "Nokia not in talks with Microsoft shock!" By Ian Scales.
The latest rumours have Microsoft in talks with Nokia about launching a possible Windows Phone 7 smartphone under the Nokia brand. The info comes from blogger Eldar Murtazin (successful track record in Nokia-watching) who claims an alliance between the two, slightly off-balanced, global giants will be aimed at shoring up their long-term positions in the mobile market.
Such a move is all the more credible given that Nokia is currently being run by ex-Microsoftie, Stephen Elop.
And, of course, it just makes sense when considered against the way the mobile market is rapidly changing.
Users used to buy mobile phones which may or may not have had a mobile OS - in any case the OS was not the first criteria. Increasingly, though, many users understand that the choice of operating system probably comes first with a decision on the underlying hardware fast becoming secondary - especially right at the top end of the market.
In this new world the global number one handset manufacturer won't stay number one if it doesn't support any of the leading operating systems. Yes, we know Symbian IS still the leading smartphone OS, but the trending tells the real story - it soon won't be the leader after it is caught by Android and that will happen very soon.
Microsoft is in a similar position. The arrival of Windows Phone 7 has hardly set the mobile world alight and Microsoft desperately needs to move the sales needle. Nokia as supporter couldn't hurt.
So Windows Phone 7 Phones from Nokia? Why not? For many users such a pairing would make an ideal combination - solid mobile business apps underpinned by Nokia's trusted hardware.
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