Nokia’s VP of app development has urged Microsoft to speed up the development of its Windows Phone platform.

The Finnish mobile phone maker has been introducing devices such as its Lumia range frequently since the launch of the Windows Phone 8 in November last year, but the company feels the lack of apps and software updates for the operating system is affecting its own sales.

Speaking to the International Business Times, Bryan Biniak said: "We are releasing new devices frequently and for every new device, if there is an app that somebody cares about that’s not there that’s a missed opportunity of a sale.

"We are trying to evolve the cultural thinking [at Microsoft] to say ‘time is of the essence.’ Waiting until the end of your fiscal year when you need to close your targets doesn’t do us any good when I have phones to sell today.

"As a company we don’t want to rely on somebody else and sit and wait for them to get it right.

"To give you a reason to switch, I need to make sure the apps that you care about on your device are not only on our phones, but are better. I also need to provide you [with] unique experiences that you can’t get on your other devices."

Last month, it was revealed that Microsoft is in advanced negotiations with Nokia to acquire the company’s devices unit, but the talks have failed.