Android is not the reason why the Android powered Nokia Normandy has apparently been scrubbed

Despite leaked photographs of an Android powered Nokia model called the Normandy, it would seem that the project has been scrubbed due to Microsoft's impending acquisition of Nokia's Devices and Services division. Still, we did manage to grab some more information on Nokia's "Project N". Apparently, when deciding which OS to use for the Asha range back in 2012,  Android was one of the choices along with Swipe UI. Of course, the Finnish OEM went in a different direction.

But with Nokia losing the Lumia line in the Microsoft deal, and keeping the Asha series, it was thought that perhaps an Android powered Asha model could spur some interest. While it appears as though the phone has been 86'd by Nokia, the recently leaked render from evleaks that we showed you on Monday has some expecting Nokia to revive the project. One published report has the device launching with a 4 inch screen, a dual SIM variant, and a model number of RM-80. A forked version of Android would be driving the phone. This report cites unnamed sources as saying that Nokia has already put the phone on its release path, which means that even the Microsoft-Nokia merger can't stop it. But that may not be true.

While the Microsoft-Nokia deal might stop the Normandy from appearing, it has nothing to do with Android. The Asha line is not part of the deal, so Microsoft has no control over the Normandy, and in fact, the licensing deals that Microsoft has would make it profit greatly from increased Android purchases. The problem is that the deal prevents Nokia from putting its name on any handset for two years after the merger is closed.
 
Thanks Anonymous Tipster!

source: NokiaPowerUser