Holiday Gift Guide »

Nokia job posting hints at possible Android device development

Categories: Android, Nokia, Windows Phone
By: , IntoMobile
Friday, November 30th, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Nokia Lumia 920, Lumia 820 now shipping

Well that’s interesting. Nokia supposedly has a stable relationship with Microsoft, hence it primarily focusing on churning out Windows Phone smartphones like the new Windows Phone 8-based Lumia 920. A job posting on Nokia’s LinkedIn page suggests otherwise, however. The job Nokia had up for grabs is “Principal Software Engineer, Embedded Linux Middleware at Nokia in Sunnyvale.”

I write “had” because the job opening is no longer accessible on the LinkedIn page where it was originally posted. Phandroid reports that the description was to “oversee the development of embedded Linux device software and hardware drivers for our exciting new products.” What a coincidence, the Android operating system is based on Linux.

Development of Android products might put a strain on Microsoft and Nokia’s relationship. At this point, why even bother anyway? Poor Nokia just doesn’t know where to fit in and has resorted to constantly switching between different platforms hoping for a saving grace to its depressing mobile hardware business. Since the hardware vendor took the posting down, this all might just be one colorful mix-up too.

To entertain the possibility of Nokia creating another Android device, maybe Nokia is interested in putting Android on a tablet. Maybe Nokia is taking the HTC approach with a little bit of Windows Phone and a little bit of Android (though is it really a good idea to follow in HTC’s footsteps?) Who knows? We’ll just have to wait and see if Nokia follows through with anything significant.

[via Phandroid]

About The Author

George Tinari

George has followed technology news for quite some time, but he only started writing about it a few years ago. He particularly enjoys covering Apple, but that doesn't stop him from reporting on a wide range of topics in the mobile area. When he's not reporting for IntoMobile, you can usually find George listening to a wide array of music, trying to be funny and sarcastic, eating, or voicing opinions on his personal blog.

  • RedDawnNOT

    Nokia makes some of the most durable and reliable handsets. I’d gladly get a Nokia, Android handset. Actually, I’ve been hoping and waiting for Nokia to come to the light of Android. But, they must give me a screen bigger than 4.3in

  • razmoket13

    Embedded Linux doesn’t necessarily mean Android. Remember Meego ? Ever heard about Tizen ?

    • Anonymous

      Remember Meltemi.

  • Anonymous

    This makes sense as Windows Phones get Nokia back to profitability, they can pursue diversification with Android.

  • http://www.facebook.com/krassenstein Brian Krassenstein

    The best move Nokia could make is to start producing phones around the Android OS. Nokia makes nice phones, but a large number of people will not buy one because they are so used to Android.