Nokia job opening re-ignites Android speculation
A job posting to Nokia’s LinkedIn page is stirring the pot once again on speculation that Nokia could turn to Android to save their handset business. But wait, didn’t they already turn to Windows Phone for that?
The job listing seeks a qualified principle software engineer to “oversee the development of embedded Linux device software and hardware drivers for our exciting new products.” While that certainly sounds like it could have something to do with Android — Google’s mobile OS is based on the Linux kernel — there is little reason to actually believe this is the direction Nokia is headed.
Exhibit A: Nokia’s recent efforts show nothing less than an all-in approach with Microsoft’s Windows Phone. Just look at the recently launched line of the manufacturer’s Lumia phones. As our friends over at WinSource point out, perhaps Nokia feels a little snubbed by Microsoft and HTC’s partnership for the Windows Phone 8X, but would that really motivate the company to switch to or take on a second smartphone platform?
Which brings me to Exhibit B: Nokia’s history of stubborn resistance to the Android OS. You might recall a certain exec once said that switching to Android to save their smartphone business would be the equivalent of a young boy peeing his pants for warmth. As a short-term strategy it sounds like it could work, but it isn’t a sustained solution. Or that was Nokia’s sentiment at the time.
That statement dates back two years, so perhaps Nokia’s view has changed since then. Android, at least, has proven to be more than a flash in the pan. Do we still dream of a smartphone that beautifully marries Nokia’s design and hardware with the Android OS? Sure. Does a single job listing suggest this could soon be a reality? That’s doubtful.