Mobile Technology

Nokia X2: Microsoft's first Android-based smartphone

Nokia X2: Microsoft's first Android-based smartphone
The Nokia X2 is the first Android-based smartphone for Microsoft after taking over Nokia's handset business
The Nokia X2 is the first Android-based smartphone for Microsoft after taking over Nokia's handset business
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The Nokia X2 is the first Android-based smartphone for Microsoft after taking over Nokia's handset business
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The Nokia X2 is the first Android-based smartphone for Microsoft after taking over Nokia's handset business

Microsoft has unveiled its first Nokia-branded Android-based smartphone since the takeover of Nokia's Devices & Services business was finalized earlier this year. Aimed at the budget end of the smartphone market, the Nokia X2 packs a 4.3-inch WVGA display and is powered by a Snapdragon 200 dual core CPU clocked at 1.2 GHz and 1 GB of RAM.

The device debuts the new Nokia Software Platform 2.0, the next generation of the forked Android platform that first appeared on the Nokia X. The update provides enhancements to the user interface with users able to choose between three types of screens. These include: the Windows Phone-like "home" screen with resizable tiles; Fastlane, which provides access to recent apps and future calendar items; and a Lumia-inspired apps list that allows users to pin items to the home screen.

There's also a new home key and visual multitasking, along with a pull-down notifications tab that displays connectivity options and actionable items, such as available software updates. The device will also come pre-loaded with Outlook.com, Skype and OneDrive, which offers 15 GB of free cloud storage, with Android apps available through the Nokia Store.

The 4.3-inch ClearBlack display packs 800 x 480 pixels at 217 ppi with a 5-megapixel autofocus camera and flash on the rear and a VGA camera up front for video calls. Connectivity options include USB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and a dual-SIM slot. The 1,800 mAH battery should be good for up to 10 hours of talk time on 2G, 13 hours on 3G and up to 23 days of standby.

Due to roll out "globally" from next month, it will initially come in three eye-popping colors – glossy orange, black and green – with glossy yellow, white and matte dark grey to be offered later. It will be priced at €99 (US$135). However, if it follows in the footsteps of the three Nokia X devices preceding it, it is unlikely to land on North American shores.

The Nokia X2 is demonstrated in the following video.

Source: Microsoft

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