Nokia gives project 'Meltemi' the boot

Sources close to All Things D have confirmed that the Nokia will be abandoning project ‘Meltemi’, a low-cost, Linux-based OS that would eventually replace S40 and provide even budget handsets with smartphone capabilities. The OS was never publicly confirmed nor denied by Nokia, however Stephen Elop, Nokia CEO, did say that they were ending some projects after the recent restructuring of the company. Meltemi was supposed to a part of the MeeGo development program, but since their ceasing active work on that as well, we really don’t think Meltemi has any chance. Nokia’s focus right now is on how to build the company backup for the modern times were touchscreen Android phones are dominating the market. They are relying heavily on Microsoft to deliver on the software part as Tango could be one of the hooks needed to pull in the masses. Their high-end phones based on Apollo have yet to prove themselves as Nokia has the hardware, it’s just the software that’s lacking.

Closing all doors

Nokia seems to be working on a major overhaul of company structure and cleaning house. In a recent announcement, as a cost cutting measure, Nokia decided to render about 10,000 of their employed work force redundant. The number includes those in their global workforce. Mary McDowell, who has been leading Nokia’s low-end phone business is among the executives leaving the company as part of a leadership shuffle. Nokia is beginning the process of engaging with employee representatives in accordance with country-specific legal requirements. In further action to help improve their current state, the company has also agreed to terms for EQT VI, part of the leading private equity group in Northern Europe to acquire Vertu. Nokia’s Vertu brand has been one of the global leaders in luxury mobile phones for a long time. The transaction, the terms of which are confidential, is expected to close during the second half of 2012, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Nokia will retain a 10 percent minority shareholding in Vertu.

Richard Kerris, who helps lead Nokia’s efforts with developers, said “We have awesome products in the pipeline, and our developers are going to love them.” While we don’t doubt that the company has some good products in the pipeline, we aren’t too sure about the developers being excited bit.