A low-end Nokia cell phone has been in development for some time. It is codenamed Normandy. Normandy's aim is to repurpose the open-source version of Android into an entry-level mobile phone better than the ones Nokia offers in its existing Asha line.
According to The Verge and AllThingsD, the Normandy programme is still going ahead, despite Nokia's plan to sell its Windows Phone platform and low-end phone business to Microsoft.
Now let us turn to the question of whether Microsoft will succeed once it acquires Nokia next year. We are not sure, but we believe Redmond may pursue this project.
Although Normandy uses open-source components of Android, Nokia is customizing the appearance of the OS. The company may also make changes to its core services.
According to a source, the OS has a look resembling that of Windows Phone. Normandy could also serve as a vehicle to deliver Microsoft services such as Skype and Bing.
Nokia has been losing popularity lately and is now trying its level best to regain market share. Nokia's latest phone, the Nokia Lumia 1020, has gained a reasonable amount of popularity. Now, let us see what happens down the line.