Nokia: Buzz About Potential Windows Phone 7 Deal Rises

Forbes ^ | Feb. 2 2011 - | Eric Savitz

[SmokingJoe]

There increasing chatter on the Street that Nokia (NOK) next week will unveil a deal to adopt Microsoft’s (MSFT) Windows Phone 7 as the operating system software for at least some of its smart phones.

Wedge Partners analyst Brian Blair weighed in the possibility this morning, asserting in a research note that such a move “would address the key concern we have had about Nokia for the last several years: terrible software.” He adds that a pairing of the two companies “could be a powerful combination in the smartphone war and put Nokia on solid footing for the first time in years.”

Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, a former Microsoft exec, is scheduled to meet with analysts in London next week to reveal his new strategic direction for the company.

Blair writes that his checks suggest Nokia will adopt Windows 7, and could merge some features of its own Meego software into platform. “

[whitedog57]

I have a Windows 7 phone through AT&T and love it.

[The Unknown Republican]

I say this is wishful thinking on the part of this analyst.

[11th Commandment]

I have the window 7 phone through T-mobile. To get work to support and pay for it I had to get an I-Phone or Window phone because of the wipe feature. My kids who have a google phone think its is a good phone. More Apps coming on everyday... but I am waiting for Google’s GPS app.

[Scythian]

I so hope this is true !

[antiRepublicrat]

Nokia dumping Symbian for WP7 in smartphones is about the only way Microsoft is going to get back significant smartphone marketshare any time soon.

[TWohlford]

*yawn*.

The market has several solid players, and the potential for huge profit margins — the reward for being clearly better than rivals, such as the iPhone once was — is certainly gone.

Besides, some of us will never forgive Micro$oft for that piece of junk in earlier versions 6.0 and 6.5.

[wareagle7295]

I have a Samsung Focus Windows Phone - best smart phone I have ever had

[wareagle7295]

I have a Samsung Focus Windows Phone - best smart phone I have ever had

[dangerdoc]

Both have what the other needs.

It will be interesting to see what happens.

[dangerdoc]

Both have what the other needs.

It will be interesting to see what happens.

[dangerdoc]

And Nokia putting WP7 on their phones is about the only way they are going to get a modern operating system in the near future. Unless they choose to use Android instead, something they have denied repeatedly in the past.

[antiRepublicrat]

And Nokia putting WP7 on their phones is about the only way they are going to get a modern operating system in the near future.

Yes, they would both benefit. I don't think Nokia wants to jump into the "me too" Android world.

[Goldsborough]

So, Nokia's problem has been "terrible software" and they turn to the kings of "terrible software" for a solution?

That strategy is totally Ballmeresque. I am sure that if this gambit comes to pass, Nokia CEO Elop will get a nice "That's my boy!" from his Uncle Fester in Redmond.

[SmokingJoe]

Windows Phone 7 is an excellent (and modern) mobile OS.

[q_an_a]

what he said!! I would like to have more instructions on how much is Window7 reliant... I am still on Vista and some things just ain’t right.

[SmokingJoe]

“I say this is wishful thinking on the part of this analyst.”

Famous last words?

[The Unknown Republican]

Oh yeah...I’ll eat crow on this one.