2013 events
On 13 September 2013, the New York Times writer Nick Wingfield revealed that Nokia had been testing the Google Android operating system on its Lumia hardware. Another project, known as "Asha on Linux", used a forked version of Android without Google services. [5]
The Asha series previously ran the Java-based Series 40 and Asha platforms. These were not as functional as a similarly priced low-end Android handset, a price range that Windows was not able to provide Windows Phones in. [6] Meltemi (operating system), a Linux-based operating system designed to replace Series 40, had been scrapped by the company. [7]
The Chinese technology site CTechnology revealed that despite the announced merge of Nokia with Microsoft, development of the Asha on Linux project was continuing until November 2013 and 10,000 prototype units had been manufactured by Foxconn, containing a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 8225Q chip. [8]
A report by Tom Warren from The Verge on 11 December 2013 showed an Asha-like device, codenamed "Normandy". He said that "despite the finalisation of the acquisition, development of the device is continuing." [9] As of late January 2014 the deal stands as not finalized because of scrutiny from Chinese regulators. [10] ) AllThingsD suggested that Microsoft may not stop development of the device. [11]
A 14 December 2013 report by CTechnology claimed that the device development had been halted, along with an Android-based 7 inches (18 cm) Snapdragon 400 tablet. The two projects were to have been created by Nokia's CTO division, which Microsoft did not acquire, with Peter Skillman, the head of UX Design, at the helm of the UI design. The report said that wearable devices were the new focus of the CTO division. [12] [13] [14]
A further leak by @evleaks showed a press image with several colour options for the phone. [15]
According to NokiaPowerUser, the device was dual-SIM with a 4 inches (10 cm) display, the model number was RM-980, and it had a 640×360 resolution. [16] In a second report, they suggested the device may be a member of the Asha range, as the development team was headed by Egil Kvaleberg (from Smarterphone), and the UI led by Peter Skillman (who worked on the Asha Platform's Swipe UI). [17]
A tweet by @evleaks on 31 December 2013 stated that "The reports of Normandy's death have been greatly exaggerated". [18]
2014 events
A leak on the ITHome technology website showed a blurred image of the phone, and the app drawer of its UI in operation, confirming it to be a dual-SIM device. However, no Nokia logos were found on the device. [19]
@evleaks later posted screenshots of the UI, showing the lock screen and Skype in action. [20]
The device later showed up on the AnTuTu benchmark software as Nokia A110, with KitKat 4.4.1, a 5MP camera and an 854 x 480 display. [21]
Two new photos of the Engineering prototype were leaked in January 2014. [22] One shows a different app launcher than previous photos, suggesting a placeholder. [23]
On 13 January 2014, a press photo showing the tile-like UI of the home screen was leaked, [24] and was accompanied by a screenshot of the Asha platform's Fastlane-style notification centre the next day. [25] According to Eldar Murtazin, Microsoft was not keen on the idea, saying there were "too many politics" around the project. He claimed it would have to be released in February, before the acquisition of Nokia was completed, if at all. [26] Another source suggested Microsoft would use the device as a trojan horse to increase Windows Phone adoption. [26]
The phone (with the model code RM-980) was certified by the Indonesian authorities on 21 January 2014, suggesting a close launch date. [27]
On 23 January 2014, Nokia sent out invitations to its press event at Mobile World Congress on 24 February 2014, where the device would be unveiled, if it wasn't cancelled. [28]
@evleaks later tweeted that the name of the phone is Nokia X. [29]
A few days later, the specifications were leaked by @evleaks. The device had a dual core Snapdragon processor, 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB internal storage memory, a 1500 MAh battery, Nokia Store and third-party app stores, confirming its placement into the low-end market segment. [30]
On 30 January 2014, the French website nowhereelse.fr released more photos of the device, showing its form factor and rear view for the first time. [31]
According to GoAndroid, an anonymous Senior Nokia Executive Officer in India revealed that the device would debut in India in March 2014 under the Asha line. [32]
NokiaPowerUser later revealed that the phone gained certification in Thailand and Malaysia. [33] [34]
The Wall Street Journal's sources confirmed that Nokia was going to reveal the device at the MWC in Barcelona at the end of February 2014. [35]
Reports from Artesyn Technologies and tech.qq said Nokia X is the first of several Android devices from Nokia, including high-end models. These additional devices, one named Nokia XX, would be released during May or June 2014, and were claimed to be out of beta and would possibly receive FCC certification. [36] [37]
Nokia's social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook had their colour changed to green, which was suggested by WPCentral to be a veiled reference to the Android operating system. [38] [39]
@evleaks confirmed that the phone was to be called Nokia X. [40] Rumours of devices being sent to developers in India were published at GSMArena. [41]
As the release date grew nearer, teaser videos on Nokia's YouTube and Vine accounts under the hashtag #GreenDuck were released, as well as teaser images, such as a treasure map with an X marking the spot on the Sina Weibo microblog in China. More images of the interface also surfaced, showing the finalised product for the first time. [42] [43]
On 18 February 2014, the Hungarian technology website tech2.hu claimed the device was under mass production at Nokia's Komárom plant in Hungary. [44]
At a pre-MWC event on 23 February 2014, Microsoft VP for the Windows Phone platform Joe Belfiore was asked about how the company would feel in the event that Nokia released an Android phone. His response was as follows:
We have a great relationship with Nokia. They've built great products. We haven't complete our acquisition. They may do some things we're excited about. Other things we are LESS excited. But whatever they do we are very supportive of the partnership.
Joe Belfiore, Corporate VP for Windows Phone, Microsoft [45]
