First Ever Android-Powered Nokia smartphone is Likely to Release By the End of This Month

Nokia is an old name in mobile phones and we can still find Nokia loyalists in good numbers across the world. But it is evident from the market that there will be many Nokia users dreaming of using the ubercool Android OS in their phones. Well, their dreams have been answered, all thanks to Nokia! Reportedly, an article published by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) says that Nokia is planning on releasing an Android based smartphone by the end of this month, most probably at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. A few leaked images from @evleaks are as follows,

What You Need to Know

Though the article doesn’t add much to what has already been revealed in previous news, it still is a validation of things to come. It will be a low end device for developing markets, with a highly customized Android support. The interface will only resemble with those of similar specs phone and the tailoring of the OS is restrictive in nature – Most notably, it will not have access to Google Play Store. On the contrary, it will run Nokia and Microsoft run services such as Here Maps and Mix Radio. And they will also offer a Nokia app store that will provide apps like Facebook, Twitter, Skype for download. Rumors are that the device may go by the name ‘Nokia X’ upon its release. It is likely to feature the following:

• A dual-core 1 GHz Snapdragon processor
• A 4-inch WVGA screen
• 4 GB of storage capacity
• 512 MB of RAM
• Card slot Micro SD
• A 5 Megapixel camera
• A 1500 mAh battery
• A dual SIM arrangement

It is expected to offer six color choices for customers to choose from. Only time will tell what future it holds for us enthusiasts.

Nokia and Its Market

It is been three years since Nokia deserted its in-house developed operating system called Symbian and started using Microsoft Windows. The company is exclusively using Microsoft Windows for its premier line of Mobile phones, Lumia. Microsoft bought Nokia devices and services for $7.4 billion last year and the deal is expected to close by the first half of this year. Their strategy of addressing the low-end market is unprecedented for the fact that they study and develop the product exclusively for that particular market. E.g. Asha is a product line sold in India and it runs a homegrown OS resembling the old Symbian OS of Nokia. Though the sales figures are not stellar but the brand is able to hold their ground. A similar scheme of launch is expected for the speculated phone. Codenamed as Normandy as of now, this phone will feature entry level specifications and a user interface that is a balance between Android and Windows. The apparent objective of Microsoft here is to increase hardware sales without committing much to Google and simultaneously support the costs involved in fighting the likes of Apple and Google. The approach looks promising as of now.