Android mobile operating systems (OS) are currently dominating the smartphone market. Smartphones makers like Samsung, HTC, LG, etc. all have phones running on Android, and now rumors indicate that Nokia is also planning to go the same route and will release an Android-powered smartphone.

The Finnish smartphone maker dropped out of the top five smartphone makers and its OS, Symbian, is struggling to keep pace with the increasing competition from the iOS and Android mobile ecosystems. Nokia recently launched its Windows Phone 8 (WP8) powered smartphones Lumia 920 and Lumia 820, but rumors suggest that the company may also bring Android smartphones in the near future.

"With the Android OS being built around a Linux based structure, Nokia's recently posted, and hastily deactivated job posting called for a Principal Software Engineer for work in Embedded Linux Middleware," reported Trusted Reviews.

Trusted Reviews indicated that the job listing appeared on the business orientated social site LinkedIn and the job requirements revealed that the desired Linux expert would be based in a 'start-up environment,' concentrating their efforts on 'mobile phone technology' and 'exciting new products.'

Can the exciting new products include a new Android-powered smartphone? If the answer is yes then Nokia will join the Android smartphone bandwagon and may pose a threat to other smartphone OEM's.

Nokia has been a key mobile handset maker for over a decade, but the Finnish company has failed to keep pace with the current customer demand and consequently, lost its market share to rivals like Samsung and Apple.

In 2011, Nokia and Microsoft formed a strategic partnership that would use their individual strengths and expertise to create a new global mobile ecosystem. However, with speculations suggesting that Microsoft will launch its own smartphone the partnership seems to be going nowhere.

The smartphone space is constantly evolving and with competition growing, businesses have had to deploy their best to attract customers.

Time will tell if Nokia's alleged decision to launch an Android-powered smartphone will turn the tide once again in the company's favor, and help it reclaim its position in the top five smartphone makers list.