Nokia and Microsoft beat Apple to product launch

After days of rumours in the press, Nokia and Microsoft appear set to launch the Windows 8 Phone before Apple makes their long-awaited product announcement.

Speculation surrounding the Nokia and Microsoft media event has developed further with reports claiming the mobile phone manufacturers will launch the Windows 8 Phone.

With a press conference scheduled for September 5 in New York, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop says the company will ‘soon’ unveil a new smartphone using Microsoft’s latest smartphone software – Windows Phone 8.

The announcement will come one week before rivals Apple is expected to reveal its biggest second-half product launch on September 12.

Experts expect the highly anticipated iPhone 5 and iPad Mini to be brought to the market, as Nokia attempts to keep up with industry pace while it phases out its Symbian smartphones in favour of a partnership with Microsoft.

The company, which once held 40% of the entire global mobile phone market, could also introduce its first tablet computer at the event, according to reports on Finland.

What do you think? Can Nokia and Microsoft challenge Apple? Tell us your thoughts below.