Nokia denies rumors that they’re looking to re-enter the smartphone arena

Nokia has been rumored to reenter the smartphone scene as soon as their “no smartphone” clause that was part of their departure from Microsoft runs dry. As much sense as those rumors might make, Nokia’s official word says they’re wholly inaccurate.

The company released a statement today to address the rumors (which doesn’t happen often) and reassured everyone that they have no plans to manufacture or sell consumer handsets. Here’s the full quote:

Nokia notes recent news reports claiming the company communicated an intention to manufacture consumer handsets out of a R&D facility in China. These reports are false, and include comments incorrectly attributed to a Nokia Networks executive.

Nokia reiterates it currently has no plans to manufacture or sell consumer handsets.

Key in on one word: “currently.” That alone leaves open the possibility that they’ll make a return someday. Will it be the day Microsoft’s clause expires? Five years from the day the clause expires? No one but Nokia knows, but for now they’re giving us no reason to believe that we’ll see a phone with a big “N” logo on it anytime soon.

[via Nokia]

More rumors point to Huawei being the next Nexus maker

The rumors about the next Nexus device never really stop. Last week we wrote about a rumor suggesting that the next Nexus will be made by an unlikely manufacturer: Huawei. They’ve just surprised us with a gorgeous smartwatch, and now it looks like they could be the next Nexus maker. As Mugatu would say “Huawei, so hot right now.”

The latest rumor comes from Gizmochina, which is based in Huawei’s backyard. They are reporting that this rumor has been “confirmed” by Kevin Yang, the director of China research at iSuppli. Of course, nothing is “confirmed” until it’s confirmed. The choice to go with Huawei would make a lot of sense if Google is looking for a greater presence in China. Xiami and Huawei made huge gains in 2014.

A Huawei-made Nexus would likely do great in China, but how would it do here in the US? Most people here don’t even know how to pronounce Huawei (it’s wah-way), let alone trust them enough to buy a phone. We don’t really know how well Nexus devices sell here anyway. There might not be any significant difference in the US, but the possibility for huge gains in China.

Would you be interested in a Huawei Nexus device?