Nokia still eyeing Q4 launch for Windows Phones but where?

Yesterday, Nokia's CEO Stephen Elop sat down with Walt Mossberg at the D9 Conference to discuss everything from the fate of Symbian to the company's future with Windows Phone. While a good bit of the interview was a re-hash of what we already know and Elop voicing his support for Windows Phone, a few interesting tidbits did come out of the interview. Including a vague exchange on where Nokia's initial Windows Phone launch will take place

Elop commented on the key role developers are playing with the success of Windows Phones, reiterated the partnership goals with Microsoft, and again, refuted the rumors Microsoft was negotiating to buy Nokia. Elop also attributed Nokia's lack of presence in the U.S., in part, was due to the popularity of the flip phone. A form factor Nokia didn't see as important. But what might be the most interesting portion of the interview came when Elop was questioned on Nokia's Windows Phone launch.

Elop commented that Nokia is still scheduled to hit the market during the 4th Quarter, in time for the holidays. The interesting thing about this segment of the interview is that Elop wouldn't commit as to which markets will be involved.

When asked if this would be a Global launch, a U.S. launch or both, Elop replied, "A number of variables will control that."

When asked if the U.S. would be a part of the launch, Elop replied, "We are still working on what countries, in what order and variance will be involved."

When pressed further on this issue, Elop simply stated he wouldn't comment on any details before he was ready to comment on them.  While very positively animated during the interview, this was the only time Elop seemed to get a little nervous.

Could Nokia give the U.S. Market the cold shoulder and continue to focus on the global markets with their Windows Phones? Or is it a case where the details on a U.S. launch aren't ironed out enough where Elop was comfortable enough to comment on things?

After the break, catch the video highlights of the interview.

Source: AllThingsDigital

Nokia still eyeing Q4 launch for Windows Phones but where?

Yesterday, Nokia's CEO Stephen Elop sat down with Walt Mossberg at the D9 Conference to discuss everything from the fate of Symbian to the company's future with Windows Phone.  While a good bit of the interview was a re-hash of what we already know and Elop voicing his support for Windows Phone, a few interesting tidbits did come out of the interview.  Including a vague exchange on where Nokia's initial Windows Phone launch will take place

Elop commented on the key role developers are playing with the success of Windows Phones, reiterated the partnership goals with Microsoft, and again, refuted the rumors Microsoft was negotiating to buy Nokia.  Elop also attributed Nokia's lack of presence in the U.S., in part, was due to the popularity of the flip phone.  A form factor Nokia didn't see as important.  But what might be the most interesting portion of the interview came when Elop was questioned on Nokia's Windows Phone launch.

Elop commented that Nokia is still scheduled to hit the market during the 4th Quarter, in time for the holidays.  The interesting thing about this segment of the interview is that Elop wouldn't commit as to which markets will be involved.

When asked if this would be a Global launch, a U.S. launch or both, Elop replied, "A number of variables will control that."  When asked if the U.S. would be a part of the launch, Elop replied, "We are still working on hat countries, in what order and variance will be involved."  When pressed further on this issue, Elop simply stated he wouldn't comment on any details before he was ready to comment on them.

Could Nokia give the U.S. Market the cold shoulder and continue to focus on the global markets with their Windows Phones?  Or is it a case where the details on a U.S. launch aren't ironed out enough where Elop was comfortable enough to comment on things?

After the break, catch the video highlights of the interview.

BREAK

George Ponder

George is the Reviews Editor at Windows Central, concentrating on Windows 10 PC and Mobile apps. He's been a supporter of the platform since the days of Windows CE and uses his current Windows 10 Mobile phone daily to keep up with life and enjoy a game during down time.