Nokia, the Finnish manufacturer that sold off its devices and services business to Microsoft in 2013, is reportedly working on a new smartphone that will launch as soon as next year.
According to a Re/code report, the company is eyeing a return to the consumer phone market in 2016, although specifics on what it will look like and what it will run is unknown. Our guess: It'll be an Android phone, not a Microsoft-branded Windows device.
The report also noted that Nokia is experimenting with other tech projects, possibly even virtual reality.
The move would come from Nokia Technologies, one of three divisions not sold to Microsoft -- known for its portfolio of more than 10,000 patents and licenses created for new products. Most recently, Nokia launched the Android-based N1 tablet and an Android platform called Zlauncher.
Although it's uncertain how Nokia may sink its teeth back into the phone market, the rumor follows news that Nokia plans to buy competitor Alcatel-Lucent for $16.6 billion in stock. Nokia may also be selling its Here mapping unit, which (like the patent division) remained after the sale to Microsoft.