Verizon Launching Nokia Windows Phone 8 Device in October – Report

Finnish handset maker Nokia and Microsoft have already confirmed a launch event on September 5, which will be held in New York.

Although we’re not completely sure that Nokia will launch new Windows Phone 8 devices, all rumors seem to indicate the company will be the first to unveil new smartphones powered by Microsoft’s upcoming operating system.

Today, Bloomberg’s Dina Bass reports that Verizon Wireless will be one of the carriers favored by Nokia to launch at least one Windows Phone 8 device this year.

It appears that Verizon wants some freedom from the clutches of Apple’s iPhone as well as Google’s Android platform, and thinks Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 operating system is exactly what it needs.

On the other hand, the carrier plans to expand its portfolio and offer customers more attractive choices when it comes to smartphones.

It will be interesting to see if Verizon’s partnership with Nokia will be more successful than the latter’s longstanding relationship with AT&T.

There are no details on the Windows Phone 8 device that will be launched in the United States through Verizon Wireless, though we can safely assume Nokia will want its best phone to be the tip of the spear.

While Nokia is expected to announce at least one Windows Phone 8 smartphone on September 5, the device won’t be available on the market earlier than October. This means that Verizon won’t be able to release its first Nokia Windows Phone 8 device until October.

Even though both companies’ officials declined to comment on this rumor, we’re pretty sure that the Finnish company will launch at least one Windows Phone 8 device in North America by the end of the year.

It remains to be seen if Nokia wants to drop its partnership with AT&T in order to jump into Verizon’s boat, or both carriers will launch Windows Phone 8 devices this year. Stay tuned for more updates on the matter.

Via