Nokia tested Android on Lumia devices before deal with Microsoft

A report by the New York Times sheds light on what Nokia’s future could have looked like without Microsoft in it. Allegedly, the Finnish company was testing Android on Lumia devices 
before the deal with Microsoft was announced.Nokia had the option to get out of the Microsoft partnership in late 2014. 

Testing out Android devices was preparing the company for such a future.Microsoft executives were apparently aware of the Android project inside Nokia.

A potential switch to Android by Nokia would have had massive consequences for Microsoft.  Android powers about three quarters of all smartphones sold globally.

Nokia's potential OS switch wasn't mentioned in the acquisition discussions this year, according to one tipster. Even so, the sources claim that Microsoft's executives knew of the project's existence -- they would have understood the consequences of losing Nokia's support. Microsoft and Nokia have so far declined to comment on the rumor, but it's clear that any Android-based Lumias are now consigned to the history books. 

So, there it is, folks. Nokia smartphone with Android was indeed a real possibility. Considering the new reality for the Finnish company however, we doubt it will actually happen. Nokia had Android up and running on the company’s Lumia handsets well before Microsoft and Nokia began negotiating Microsoft’s… acquisition of Nokia’s mobile phone and services business.”

Although Times‘ sources say that the Android Lumia wasn’t a factor in Microsoft’s decision to buy Nokia’s handset division, Microsoft was apparently aware of the device and knew that Nokia might choose to release it as a fallback option if Windows Phone 8 didn’t pan out. 

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