We all know that not long ago Nokia was really the top mobile phone manufacturer but after the iPhone and Android came along, Nokia’s popularity started to decrease. Nokia’s Symbian platform was unable to offer what was offered to the users in iOS and Android and that is why Nokia started a big partnership with Microsoft and started to use its Windows Phone platform in its new smartphones. Of course the Symbian powered handsets are still very much in demand in the emerging markets but Android is giving it a very tough time in those markets as well.

Nokia keeping Android as backup

Well, Nokia has a great run with Microsoft so far and the new Nokia Lumia 920 is selling very well too but according to a latest report, it seems like Nokia has Android as its back up plan lined up for the bad time. Previously we have heard various rumors about Nokia shifting to Android but now we have a little proof as well. Today, Nokia has posted a job listing that hints us that the Finnish manufacturer is working on a new secret Android project. The Job listing at LinkedIn states that Nokia is looking for a Principal Software Engineer, Embedded Linux Middleware. That person will also be responsible for overseeing embedded Linux device software and hardware drivers for Nokia’s exciting new products.

Now, as we all know that Nokia is only a smartphone manufacturer that only hints that Android will be included in the next Nokia handsets. Of course if Nokia was a TV manufacturer, then it was no problem for them to hire someone like this, but here in the smartphone world Android and WebOS are the only platforms are based Linux made embedded systems. Previously, Nokia had Meltemi platform, but it was killed in June 2012, which also makes it easier to think that the company is working on Android.

Of course Nokia cannot go for WebOS, as webOS is already a failed platform and HP even stopped making products for it. So, Android looks like the natural choice and just like HTC, Samsung and other manufacturers, Nokia will also be featuring both Windows Phone as well as Android. It will be really fun to see an Android powered Nokia device someday, but we don’t have concrete proof of this happening in the near future.

There is also a possibility that Nokia is hiring an engineer for Linux based systems, because they are preparing Nokia’s HERE Maps app for Android instead of making a new handset. So, anything can happen in the tech world, we will keep you updated on the matter, stay tuned.