Finnish handset maker Nokia on Wednesday pulled out all punches to regain its space in the mobile devices space by launching a range of new devices including the much awaited Windows Phones.
The two Windows phone will be available in India by the end of the year and is priced between €420 and €270.
The handset maker, which has been losing market share to rivals, also launched four new mobile phones starting at €65. These phones have been branded as ‘Asha’- derived from Hindi meaning hope. These devices will also be available in India by the end of the year.
“Eight months ago, we shared our new strategy and today we are demonstrating clear progress of this strategy in action. We’re driving innovation throughout our entire portfolio, from new smartphone experiences to ever smarter mobile phones,” said Mr Stephen Elop, Nokia President and CEO at the Nokia World conference in London.
“From the Nokia Lumia 800 to the Nokia Asha 201, we are bringing compelling new products to the market faster than ever before. I’m incredibly proud of these new devices – and the people of Nokia who have made this happen,” he added.
The Nokia Windows phone series named Lumia is widely believed to be the make or break product for the company and the handset maker says it is investment more than ever to make this new range successful.
“World is ready for something new. Nokai Lumia 800 is the first real windows phone. We are signalling our intent to be today’s leader in smartphone design and craftsman ship,” Mr Elop said.
The Nokia Lumia 800 is now available in select countries for pre-order on >www.nokia.com and is scheduled to roll-out across France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK in November, with 31 leading operators and retailers providing unprecedented marketing support in those first six countries. It is scheduled to be available in Hong Kong, India, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan before the end of the year and in further markets in early 2012.
The Nokia Lumia 710 is scheduled to be available first in Hong Kong, India, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan toward the end of the year alongside the Nokia Lumia 800, before becoming available in further markets in early 2012. Both the Windows phones are bundled with free applications including music, ESPN sports hub and navigation. The devices use Qualcomm’s snapdragon chipset.
“Today marks a remarkable first between two industry-leading companies. Nokia brings state of the art industrial design and outstanding global distribution, while Windows Phone brings it to life with an experience that puts people at the centre. The third ecosystem is alive and well, due in part to Nokia’s partnership and commitment to delivering amazing new Windows Phones to consumers around the world,” said Mr Andy Lees, president of the Windows Phone Division at Microsoft.
Nokia also announced its plans to introduce a portfolio of products into the US in early 2012 and into mainland China in the first half of 2012. In addition to the existing products, which include coverage for WCDMA and HSPA, Nokia also plans LTE and CDMA products to address specific local market requirements.