Commentary: Nokia says no to Android, but may look to Linux

While acknowledging that Nokia has denied that it is working on Android-based smartphone, sources from Taiwan's handset industry still believe that the world's number one handset vendor will not sit idle and let Android-powered models further erode its market share.

Of course, Nokia may not be quick to launch Android-powered models as it has always been a strong Symbian supporter, and such a move would back up Google.

However, given that HTC (High Tech Computer), Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Motorola and Sony Ericsson have already launched, or plan to release, Android-powered phones, it is also obvious that Nokia can no longer count on Symbian to sustain future growth, the sources asserted.

It is highly possible that Nokia, in an attempt to compete efficiently in the smartphone segment and to meet increasing consumer demand for Android-based models, will launch smartphones running on an in-house developed Linux platform, commended the sources.

This multiple platforms strategy would allow Nokia to develop Linux-based high-end smartphones, netbooks and Internet tablet devices, while focusing on the mid- and entry-level handset segments with models running on its Symbian platform, contended the sources.