Nokia launches Windows-based smartphone Lumia
28 Oct 2011
Finnish handset maker Nokia has launched its first Windows-based smartphone, Lumia.
Announcing its launch, Nokia chief executive Stephen Elop said a 'new dawn' was in sight for the company with the launch of its first range of Windows handsets.
Analysts say, the move marks the company's intent to fight its way against rival Apple's iPhone and others using Google's Android's operating system, to regain market share in the crucial battle for smartphone sales.
"Today marks the rebirth of Nokia. We are signalling our intent, right now, right here to be the leaders in smartphone design and craftsmanship," Elop said at NokiaWorld 2011 event in London. The two Windows phones - Nokia Lumia 800 and Lumia 710 - would come to India by the year-end would be priced around Rs29,000 and Rs19,000, respectively.
"World is ready for something new. Lumia is light ... Lumia is the first real Windows Phone," Elop declared to the 3,000 strong London audience.
He also launched a line of basic phones called Asha - "hope" in Hindi - aimed at emerging markets of India, Africa and Latin America, and having web surfing capabilities on lines of smartphones.