Windows Phone handsets closer to realization!

Last February, Nokia and Microsoft strategic alliance has been announced. And they signed of a definitive agreement, *In announcing the inking of the paperwork, the Microkia crew point out that they're already hard at work developing "a portfolio" of Nokia Windows Phone devices, which will be shipping "in volume" in 2012, but there's still a twinkling hope that they can get something out on the market in 2011.

**Here’s a summary

*Nokia-Microsoft deal official
*First windows phone may arrive in 2011
*Mass volume due 2012
*Windows Phone developer registration free to all Nokia developers.
*Publishing and distribution of apps through single portal for Windows Phone, Symbian and Series 40. (All going to Market Place or Ovi Store?
*Nokia will start paying royalties to Microsoft when these Nokia Windows Phones start shipping. *Competitive royalties based on this unique partnership and amount of Windows Phones Nokia will be (expected to be) shipped.
*In recognition of this unique partnership and Nokia’s contributions, Nokia will receive payments measured in the BILLIONS of dollars (not just value from MS in the billions, ACTUAL payments). Just how much though?
*Sharing of intelectual properties that makes Nokia (and Microsoft) forces to be reckoned with in Patent wars (*cough*Apple*)
*This is the only time in this entire post MeeGo is mentioned. Not even for the single portal thing