Nokia has announced six devices during the Nokia World event in Abu Dhabi.They have announced Nokia’s first Windows tablet, the Lumia 2520; two phablets, the 1520 and the 1320; and three Asha phones, the 500, 502, and 503.
“Now more than ever, mobile devices are at the center of consumers’ lives as they look to capture, curate and share experiences on the go,” said Stephen Elop, Executive Vice President, Devices & Services at Nokia.
“Today we’re inviting people around the world to switch to Nokia. With our latest range of Lumia and Asha products, we’re delivering industry leading design and imaging innovation to bigger devices at more accessible prices. The quality and value that Nokia products deliver continues to grow as we partner with developers to introduce app experiences that are unique to Lumia and Windows Phone. And clearly, with Lumia and Asha smartphones enjoying quarter-on-quarter volume growth in Q3 2013, that quality and value is resonating with consumers around the world.”
Nokia seems to be maintaining a uniform appearance for their devices as the recent released goodies sport the bright and colorful designs of the previous Lumia devices. Even the Asha phones have taken a new turn since the release of the 501 last May in India.
The biggest announcement Nokia has made was with their first Windows tablet device, the Lumia 2520, featuring a 10.1-inch HD display, 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity, a 6.7MP camera, and what Nokia claims the “first time ever on a tablet”, ZEISS optics for a souped-up shooter under low-light conditions, and boasts a Windows 8.1 RT operating system.
The Lumia 2520 contain exclusive software, “Dragons Adventure”, Nokia Storyteller, Nokia Video Director, Nokia Music with Mix Radio. It’s also backed with a number of accessories such as the Nokia Power Keyboard, which Nokia claimed would give an extra five-hour boost in battery life, and two built-in USB ports for added connectivity.
Nokia introduced their phablets, the Lumia 1520 and Lumia 1320. Six-inched screens featuring a new third column of tiles on the home screen. But what tells them apart is the Lumia 1520 boasts a 20MP PureView camera, with technology similar to the Lumia 1020. The Lumia 1520 features a 1080p full HD display, which means a brighter and richer textured screen.
While the Lumia 1320 features a 720p display with a range of imaging apps available, along with the Nokia Music for music streaming, and HERE maps and location services.
But Nokia hasn’t abandoned the Asha devices. They’ve claimed that this particular lineup has always been an important part to Nokia, as it reaches more to the people. The latest Asha devices, the Asha 500, 502, and the 503, take off right where the 501 has left off and added upgraded specs and features.
Nokia has claimed that the latest Asha lineup makes it easier for users to share content in social networks, with easier and faster navigation to access the camera as fast as possible. Fastlane makes a comeback, which Nokia has claimed to be faster and easier to navigate through than before. WhatsApp will be available for the Nokia Asha 501 and is to arrive later in the year for the new Asha devices.
The Nokia Asha 500 features a 2.8-inch screen, 2MP camera and comes in single SIM and Easy Swap Dual SIM variants. It is expected to be available in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East with an estimated price of USD69 before taxes or subsidies.
The Nokia Asha 502 features a 3-inch screen, a 5MP camera with LED flash and Easy Swap Dual-SIM. The estimated price before taxes or subsidies starts at USD89 in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Middle East.
Nokia Asha 503 features 3.5G connectivity, a 3-inch screen, 5MP camera with LED flash, Corning Gorilla Glass 2 and comes in single SIM and Easy Swap Dual SIM variants. The estimated price before taxes or subsidies is USD99 in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
Innovation enhanced through applications
People can get the most from Nokia’s latest Lumia portfolio through a new selection of applications including:
– Nokia Video Director – create, edit and share customized videos direct from the Lumia 2520.
– Nokia Beamer – share experiences and ideas easily and instantly with friends or colleagues by projecting your phone screen to any HTML5 enabled screen; this includes documents, maps, location details, or even the camera viewfinder.
– Nokia Storyteller – automatically integrates your pictures from your phone with HERE location information and collates a chronological picture journey on a map.
– DreamWorks Animation’s Dragons Adventure – an exclusive experience for the Lumia 2520 which keeps the whole family entertained.
– Instagram – the photo and video sharing community.
– Papyrus and InNote – handwriting note-taking apps.
– Vine – a popular video service.
The Asha ecosystem is also growing with more applications available including the popular messaging applications WhatsApp and Line; photo applications PicFeed and PicTag; and ESPN Sports Hub.
Nokia has also introduced a portable wireless charging plate that makes charging easier and faster, and lets people wirelessly charge a smartphone anytime, anywhere. Supporting the Qi wireless standard, the Nokia DC-50 is compatible with Nokia Lumia devices supporting wireless charging, such as the Lumia 1520, Lumia 1020, Lumia 925, and Lumia 920.
The Nokia DC-50, which is Nokia’s portable wireless charging plate that supports Lumia devices is expected to be available globally in Q4.