MS names Nokia WinPho models in compo blunder

Sabre and Sea Ray slip out

Microsoft has inadvertently leaked the names of forthcoming Nokia Windows Phone handsets by including them in the terms and conditions of a competition.

The Nokia Sabre, as well as the familiarly-named Nokia Sea Ray, were both found mentioned in the Ts&Cs of a Microsoft Canada competition - now edited to remove the names - that asks software developers to design WinPho 7.5 Mango apps. The phones are set to be prizes.

Following the not-so-accidental leak of the Sea Ray a few months ago, we're already aware of the N9-like handset heading this way. However, Sabre details remain shrouded.

Of course, both could simply be codenames, and the handsets may yet be released under a different moniker. Still, the fact the text in question has now been excised means Nokia is clearly trying to keep the handsets a mystery.

The company's WinPho models are expected before the close of 2011. ®