Nokia Working on First Smartphone/Tablet Hybrid Device

Nokia is reportedly working on its first smartphone/tablet hybrid (known as phablets) as part of a wider range of new smartphones to be launched later this year.

Citing people with knowledge of the company's plans, the Financial Timesreported that the most innovative of the new products would be the new phablet, which will be pitched as part of its Windows Phone based Lumia range.

Microsoft was recently reported to be adapting its Windows 8 OS to work on phablet sized devices, which would tend to support the Nokia story.

In addition, the company is expected to announce its first Lumia smartphone to support its innovative PureView camera technology -- boasting a huge 40 megapixel sensor. The FT said such a device might go on sale in July, which would also support other recent rumours of a flagship smartphone announcement sometime in May.

There are other launches being planned including a lighter and more advanced version of the existing flagship Lumia 920 and a mid-range handset -- both slated for launch in the autumn.