Report: Nokia Lumia 929, aka Icon, delayed until February due to Microsoft's purchase of Nokia

Earlier this week, we passed along a report that revealed a January 16th launch date for the Nokia Lumia 929. The Verizon exclusive, rumored to be called the Nokia Icon, could have its launch pushed back to February according to the latest speculation. It seems that Verizon wants to directly deal with Microsoft and wants to wait for the latter's purchase of Nokia's Devices and Services division to close. According to the rumor, Big Red wants to communicate with just one company when it comes to deciding the best way to market the phone.

Nokia stockholders approved the transaction last month, but the deal still needs regulatory approval in the U.S. It is possible that the deal could close before February. And speaking of that month, the same rumor suggests that we will see the first Microsoft branded Lumia models at MWC 2014 in Barcelona, as the Nokia name gets 86'd.

The Nokia Lumia 929 Icon is expected to offer the same high-end specs as seen on the Nokia Lumia 1520 phablet. But in place of the huge 6 inch glass, the Icon is expected to carry a 5 inch screen. This will allow for a higher pixel density and a sharper display, and the more pocketable sized phone should become a litmus test revealing how competitive the platform will be in the near future.

source: NokiaPowerUser via WindowsPhoneUser