Nokia not planning Android switch despite Android dev job ad

By Rich Trenholm on 3 December 2012, 5:48pm

Nokia's planning an Android phone? "Oh no it isn't!" says a Nokia boss, in true panto-season style.

A Nokia job posting calling for Android expertise has set the rumour mill twirling faster than a fairy godmother's wand. But Doug Dawson, Nokia's boss of talking to the press, has squashed claims the Finnish phone-flingers are planning to switch from Window Phone to Android for the follow-ups to the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820.

It's all a hilarious misunderstanding, Dawson explains on Twitter. The job advert aims at recruiting someone with experience of Android in order to work on Nokia's new Here Maps app, which works on other phones and tablets as well as Nokia phones.

So the ad relates to Here Maps and "nothing more", according to Nokia. Still, you can't blame us for getting excited when the posting promised a role in a "start-up environment" to develop "exciting new products" for "mobile phone technology".

Nokia sold the family cow to Microsoft over a year ago, but the handful of beans that is Windows Phone has yet to produce a magic beanstalk. Not only does Windows Phone hold a negligible share of the phone market, but Microsoft embarrassed Nokia by cutting off the first generation of the software when unveiling Windows Phone 8.

No wonder many think Google's Android software could be neither too hot nor too cold but just right for Nokia. Opinions are mixed among phone fans today, however. CNET reader Mealeagru reckons, "Nokia should really diversify, betting the farm on Windows Phone 8 is very risky and they are the only manufacturer to do it. And Microsoft isn't even grateful, they are bound to release their own phone next year."

But Jonathan Aze says, "Nokia are too late going into a market which is already dominated by Samsung," while Matt Winston asks, "Nokia has released some good phones, but what can they do that dozens of Droids can't do?"

Is Nokia about to turn into a pumpkin, or could it still find its Prince Charming? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Comments 14

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anonymous 3 December, 2012 18:01

God I hate the stupid swipe up adverts that seem to be appearing all over here, all of a sudden. Seriously all you are doing is pissing people off with that crap, and believe you me, that is not an effective method of engendering good will to a brand. So stop it!

CaptainPicard 3 December, 2012 18:58

^Same here. And it's normally for the Note 2.

anonymous 3 December, 2012 19:06

Why would Nokia want to bring out an Android phone? It's never done Samsung any good and it would ruin Nokia's street cred if it produced anything popular. I think Nokia should continue to produce niche phones. I understand nearly a dozen people use Windows 8 phone now, so their strategy is obviously working fine.
I've put a tenner under the mattress that I reckon will just about buy Nokia in six months.

Matt Winston. 3 December, 2012 19:09

I hate the advert too, it makes browsing difficult. And thanks for mentioning my name on the article!

But Android is not the solution to Nokia's problems. If it released an Android range, what would it be able to do rival Android devices can't do? Nokia needs to concentrate on cutting the production and retail price of its phones, does it really cost hundreds of pounds to make the Lumia 920??

Mark Anderson 3 December, 2012 22:03

Good, there are enough struggling Android vendors (i.e. everyone except Samsung) without Nokia adding to the pile.

Stick to the superior WP8 please.

CaptainPicard 3 December, 2012 22:57

I agree with Matt Winston. Even if Nokia released an Android phone and tablets, no one would really buy something that costs more than phenomenally popular phones like the S3. Nokia sponsors some of my favourite TV programs of 2012, I was going to get the Lumia 920, but rumours about its price (which turned out to be true), made me get another Droid.

Meleagru 4 December, 2012 08:52

I think the struggling manufacturers is a myth. In the same way that I don't believe Starbucks loses money in the UK but despite that it keeps opening shops. There is more to published financial results than profit margins.
Nokia killed its own mobile OS just for the "privilege" of having Windows mobile. Even Samsung still has its own mobile OS somewhere. I used Nokia phones for a long time and they were extremely reliable. I just think they should do more to be competitive, I wouldn't like a world where my only two choices would be Apple or Samsung.

Rich Trenholm 4 December, 2012 09:49

Sorry you don't like the adverts, folks - but we do have to put food on the table! We'll pass your comments on to our advertising droids, and we hope you continue to enjoy all the lovely free news, reviews and videos here at CNET

anonymous 4 December, 2012 10:35

If you don't like adverts then just install adblock.
Simple really.

anonymous 4 December, 2012 13:16

I think Nokia stands a better chance by joining forces with their "breakaway" - Jolla. The Sailfish OS has what it takes to rival both Android and iOS.

Kieran Sampson 4 December, 2012 14:38

@ anonymous 3 December, 2012 19:06

LOL!

anonymous 4 December, 2012 22:18

I've used Android for a long time now (Magic - Nexus 1- Sensation - Nexus 4) but I REALLY want Nokia to succeed and build something I want to buy. I don't like Microsoft that much and that's what keeps me away from top-end Nokia's. If they knocked out an Android phone I'd definitely consider it. Nokia could be great again, but perhaps you not with Microsoft. My E72 was so fu**ing good it makes me sad to see it lying in a drawer.

Come on Nokia, pull your finger out!