Nokia’s Windows Phone with and without keypad, coming 2011. Nokia Maps replace Bing Maps early 2012

Image by vizzzual, Flickr

Reuters and Forbes are both reporting that Nokia will be shipping their first Windows Phone handsets this year, Reuters specifying Q4 (makes sense, that’s around Mango availability – end of Fall?).

Forbes have been speaking to Jo Harlow who hasn’t confirmed anything but says we’re on track for 2011.

“I’m quite pleased with our progress. Our target is absolutely still this year…and the target looks good.”

Forbes also notes that there won’t just be one device.

Harlow says the first batch of Nokia Windows Phones will be a “small portfolio” of multiple devices

In a separate report, Reuters say that there would indeed be multiple models. Two in fact. One Full Touch, one “sleek one” with keypad. Keypad? Reuters‘s confirmation of 2011 comes from handset contract maker Compal Communications – the sole company to receive orders for Nokia’s Windows phones – “would start shipment in fourth quarter”.

And whilst I’m talking about Windows Phones, PhoneScoop say that Mango will not get Nokia Maps. Well you might already know that if you were taking note at the Mango event. That’s not to say Nokia themselves won’t have it. It might come as a separate app until it’s finally rolled into Windows Phone core. That will take longer as Microsoft wants full integration and that merged product might take a while.

PhoneScoop states that Microsoft spokesperson Greg Sullivan implied that the switch to Nokia Maps from Bing Maps would take place early 2012 “which is when the first Nokia-made WP7 handsets are expected.” Though above, we’ve just told you they’re expected in 2011.

Category: Nokia, Windows Phone