Before Nokia closes on its mobile business sale to Microsoft, the Finnish device manufacturer is reportedly launching an Android-based smartphone later this month. The phone is expected to launch at the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona, which kicks off in two weeks.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Nokia has been developing an Android device while Microsoft worked out details of the transaction. In September, the companies announced Microsoft would be acquiring Nokia's mobile division and patents for $7.4 billion.
The Android device will target emerging markets and won't promote some of the key features typically seen on Google's Android platform, including the Google Play app store, the report said. Instead, think of this as an Android version of Nokia's low-cost Asha brand.
Nokia previously agreed to abandon its software efforts and use only the Windows Phone platform after the company was offered billions of dollars for marketing and development.
The news comes as Satya Nadella was named the CEO of Microsoft, replacing Steve Ballmer who announced last year he would be stepping down from the company. It might seem like an unlikely move, but the partnership could show how Microsoft will be flexible in how it aims to boost hardware sales.
Microsoft has not yet responded to a request for comment.
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