Nokia CEO: Microsoft Windows phone could be ready by 2012

Nokia CEO Stephen Elop

In February, Microsoft and Nokia announced a deal was brewing to work together to challenge the Apple iOS and Google Android in the critical mobile industry. Nokia CEO Stephen Elop told Reuters Friday that Nokia has begun work on the first Nokia smartphone supported by Microsoft software. Elop said a Windows-based Nokia phone could be produced the end of 2011.
Elop also took the time in the Reuters interview to pour cold water on the speculation that Microsoft wants to own Nokia.
Elop, a former Microsoft executive before moving to Nokia last September, said there was no strategic reason why Microsoft might want to buy Nokia.
Earlier this month, Nokia said Microsoft’s untested Windows Phone software could present challenges.