While Nokia has essentially put all its eggs into the Windows Phone basket, a report by The Wall Street Journal is indicating that it is developing a new mobile operating system for feature phones. Citing “people familiar with the matter,” the report indicates that the Linux-based OS is codenamed Meltemi and is being led by Mary McDowell, Nokia’s Executive Vice President, Mobile Phones.
Feature phones accounted for about 47% of Nokia’s device-and-services sales in the second quarter and remain a key business for the company. The new OS may be Nokia’s response against the growing competition by low-cost Chinese manufacturers. Among the features it would offer could be touchscreen support.
There is no word on when the first feature phones powered by Meltemi could be released.