Nokia schedules February press event as Android rumors persist

Nokia is planning to hold a press conference at Mobile World Congress next month. Following its recent financial results released earlier today, the company has started distributing invites to members of the media. The press conference will take place on Monday February 24th, but it's not clear what the company will announce this year. Rumors of a Nokia Android phone, codenamed Normandy, have surfaced several times in recent weeks, and sources at Nokia have revealed to The Verge that the company had been planning to launch the device at Mobile World Congress.

Any potential launch of a Nokia Android phone will likely be halted due to Microsoft's acquisition of Nokia's phone business that's expected to close shortly. We understand that Microsoft is not planning to have a big presence at Mobile World Congress this year, and sources familiar with Microsoft's plans have revealed to The Verge that Windows Phone 8.1 will be detailed in full at the Build conference in April. A lack of rumored Nokia Windows Phone devices suggests that the company may finally launch Verizon's Lumia Icon handset. However, it would be unusual for a US-centric device to be introduced in Europe. The Verge will be live from Nokia's Mobile World Congress press event, so stay tuned.