Nokia and Microsoft working to bring Zune marketplace to Nokia handsets?

If the majority of new products and services from wireless carriers and handset manufacturers recently seems to be an answer to something from Apple (NSDQ: AAPL), it’s probably because it is. Sure, Apple’s iPhone, iPhone 3G, iTunes integration, and AppStore may not be directly responsible for all of the wireless industry’s recent advancements, but Cupertino’s entry in to the mobile space certainly sparked a new appreciation among manufacturers and service providers for sleek and integrated user interfaces that deliver a user experience to be desired.

Case in point, Apple’s integration of the iPhone with one of (if not the most) the most prolific and widely known music and software stores (iTunes and AppStore) has sparked a response from big-hitters Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) and Nokia (NYSE: NOK).

Microsoft has vested interest in seeing their Zune Marketplace maintain a competitive edge in a crowded market. And Nokia could be just the handset mega-manufacturer to give Redmond the market-leverage to bring the Zune Marketplace to millions upon millions of users.

Microsoft is reportedly working closely with Nokia to integrate the Zune Marketplace in to Nokia’s dizzying lineup of mobile phones. This isn’t a Zune Phone, as has been rumored to be in the works, but a new service that will be featured on some of Nokia’s 430+ million handsets sold every year. What’s interesting is that Microsoft will have to develop a Zune Marketplace platform that is compatible with the Symbian software architecture used by Nokia. If true, Microsoft would be working to battle the iPhone and it’s iTunes integration on both the Windows Mobile and Symbian fronts.

Having missed their latest projections for Windows Mobile sales, Microsoft can use all the help they can get.

[Via: Zunescene]