Recent rumors pointed towards Nokia building two Windows Phone 8 devices and announcing the smartphones at Microsoft’s Sept. 5 event. As Microsoft prepares for the launch of Windows Phone 8, what can be expected from Nokia’s new range?

Continuing the Lumia brand

Windows Phone 7 devices will effectively be frozen out of software updates due to the new Windows NT Kernel, with a token gesture in the form of Windows Phone 7.8 bringing a new start screen to the devices. Nokia is therefore to forced to build new Windows Phone devices, so expect the Lumia branding to continue.

Striking hardware

Continuing the Lumia branding means that Nokia may pay homage to the Lumia 800 and 900. The devices sported striking hardware, with the rectangular bodies moving away from the plastic rounded devices Android manufacturers sport. With Windows Phone providing a consistent experience across devices, hardware is the differentiating factor.

Camera technology

Nokia’s PureView uses a plus-40 megapixel camera, and while the gigantic lens probably will not arrive in the company’s next Windows Phone, an impressive camera lens is not to be ruled out. Apple may have said that a camera is not just about the megapixels, butt a number over 10 would probably catch the eye of consumers.

Legacy of the N9

Nokia CEO Stephen Elop openly said that the company would bring features over from the ill-fated Nokia N9, perhaps referring to the swipe-to-navigate features. The functionality is not available in Windows Phone yet, so perhaps Microsoft will look to further the operating system with functionality from that device.

Low price

The Lumia 900 launched for $99, bringing a budget device price to a high-end smartphone. Nokia may go down the same route again with it Windows Phone 8 devices, a needed move if Microsoft is to catch up to Apple and Google.

The Sept. 5 event could be interesting. Microsoft is two years into Windows Phone, and with Windows 8 launching on Oct. 26, it needs the cross-developer ability in the operating systems to deliver if it is not to be locked into third place.