Quoting:Nokia developing new Linux-based entry-level smartphones, say sources Daniel Shen, London; Steve Shen, DIGITIMES [Friday 28 October 2011]

Nokia, while relying on Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) to compete with iPhone and Android-based mid-range and high-end smartphones, is developing a new Linux-based operating system to replace Symbian for the production of entry-level smartphones with a price tag ranging from US$100-150, according to Taiwan-based handset makers.

To boost sales of its newly released Mango phones in its largest single market, China, Nokia will seek to cooperate with the top-three China-based telecom operators in 2012, the sources indicated.

Nokia has also appointed Gustavo Eichelmann to head its operations in the China market, effective January 2012.

According to Nokia's third-quarter financial report, sales of handsets in the greater China area accounted for 15% of its total handset shipments and 23% of total revenues for the quarter. The on-quarter growth of 41% and 36%, respectively, for handset shipments and revenues in the greater China area for the third quarter both were the highest rates for all markets for the vendor.

Sales of Nokia's entry-level dual-SIM models reached 18 million units in the China market in the third quarter indicating that Nokia is still prevailing in the entry-level segment, the sources noted.