Microsoft launches new Lumia 950 and 950Xl smartphones

Microsoft on Monday launched its new Lumia 950 and 950 XL smartphones priced at Rs43,699 and Rs49,399, respectively, targeting the enterprise sector in India. The high-end smartphones are the first to run Windows 10 OS for mobile, have the same base code as the new Windows 10 OS.

The software giant also launched its new 'display dock', priced at Rs5,999 (but free for the initial launch period). The display dock allows users to plug the phones into large monitors, TVs for a full desktop experience.

''For us, productivity is not just about the individuals, but also about improving it for organisations. Currently there are 1.5 billion people using Windows platforms and our aim is to get all of them on the Windows 10 OS,'' said Bhaskar Pramanik, Microsoft India chairman, at the launch event.

Microsoft's new Lumia phones boast of premium-quality specs like a 2K screen, 3GB RAM and 20 mp camera. The Redmond-based giant has also added new software features like Continuum, Universal apps, which make the devices stand out. Universal apps offer a similar app experience across devices, whether mobile or PC and includes Microsoft's Office 365 suite.

''Our target audience is the core-Microsoft Windows fan base and the enterprise sector. With the new Lumia smartphones, we've got security covered with features like Windows Hello which unlocks a phone using an 'iris scan' and is totally secure. Then there's a Continuum, which brings PC-like experience on the Lumia phone to big-screens,'' said Ajey Mehta, country general manager, Microsoft India.

These two devices come with Microsoft Continuum, Cortana and Windows Hello Beta - an iris scan soft ware - for the first first time in a smart phone. 

With Continuum, user can make wired or wireless connections between their Lumia and any big screen, effectively converting the smartphone into a PC. This allows users to play music, games or videos, browse pictures, and work on documents saved in their smartphones, on the big screen. Once the connection was made, the smartphones could be used as trackpads.