Nokia to launch just one Linux handset in 2010

Mobile phone giant Nokia is planning just one handset featuring its Linux-based Maemo software next year, according to a new Reuters report, which seems to cement earlier rumours that the firm will stick with Symbian on all but its high-end devices.

Reuters cited "a source with direct knowledge of Nokia's product roadmap", and quoted Nokia as saying it is nevertheless committed to Symbian as its " smartphone platform of choice".

Commentators have suggested that Nokia's Symbian phones are looking increasingly outdated when compared to the iPhone and Android-based handsets, and that the company needs to get more Maemo devices onto the market.

Although Nokia had no comment on today's report, when contacted a fortnight ago it would neither confirm nor deny rumoured plans that it was set to roll out Maemo across its N-series devices.

"Nokia has multiple platforms to serve different purposes and address different markets," it said at the time. "Maemo … delivers a different user experience and enables us to widen the market we can address."