New rumors are suggesting that Nokia is planning on returning to the mobile device industry by producing Android-based smartphones in 2016.
However, a recent statement from the company clarifies that Nokia will not sell consumer tech products in the near future.
The latest rumor was first reported by tech news site GforGames. According to the site, it has acquired information from Mike Wang, the president of Nokia China. Apparently, the executive said that the company aims to use its factories in China to build a new line of Android devices next year.
As part of Nokia's return to the industry, the Finland-based company will also transfer its global research and development department in Sichuan, a province located in southwest China.
Rumors about Nokia's plans coincide with the details of the company's deal with Microsoft, T3 reported. In late 2013, the latter acquired the mobile phone division of the former. After finalizing the deal in 2014, Microsoft announced that it will replace the brand name Nokia with Lumia.
As part of the deal, Nokia is not allowed to manufacture its own mobile devices. However, this restriction has an expiration date and is scheduled to end sometime in 2016. This suggests that to celebrate its return to the market, Nokia could introduce its own line of Android phones.
Within days after the rumors emerged, Nokia released an official press release to clarify the issue.
According to the company, the speculations regarding the company's future operations are not true and the statements allegedly made by Wang are inaccurate.
"Nokia notes recent news reports claiming the company communicated an intention to manufacture consumer handsets our of a R&D facility in China," the company said in a statement. "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," the company added.
