While Microsoft continues to push its Windows platform for smartphones, the company realizes it needs to expand in an effort to enhance its future in the mobile business. To that end, the software maker, and new Nokia owner, is releasing a brand new non-smartphone that will retail for under $35 US.
The company states the explosion of the affordable mobile market as a reason for this latest hardware release. The device comes under the Nokia name, and has the 130 handle, distancing it from the higher-numbered Windows Phones handsets. The target audience is the first-time phone buyer — yes, there are still some out there.
The Nokia 130 comes with video and music capability, which Microsoft hopes will set it apart from other entry-level models currently on the market.
“As demand in the affordable mobile segment continues to grow, Microsoft remains committed to delivering market-leading mobile innovation at each and every price point,” says Jo Harlow, corporate vice president for Phones at Microsoft. “It is estimated that at least 1 billion people in the world still do not have a mobile phone, while at the same time there is increasing demand for reliable backup phones in both mature and high-growth markets”.
The price is set at just 19 euros, and comes in standard and dual-SIM versions. It’s expected to be released in the third quarter of 2014, and will initially be available in China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Vietnam
