Nokia set to release Windows Phone handsets this year

Handset manufacturing giant Nokia is set to launch Windows Phone handsets by the end of the year, chief executive Stephen Elop has said.

The pledge comes just days after the company scrapped thousands of jobs from its manufacturing lines as it continues to cut costs.

Elop told Reuters the company will show off its first Windows smartphones during this quarter, but has not confirmed if they will ship for Christmas.

“Our belief is that there is a clear opportunity for an alternative ecosystem,” Elop said.