Nokia launches Android devices
Nokia Treasure Tags (R) are presented during the 2014 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on February 24, 2014. PHOTO | LLUIS GENE
What you need to know:
- Until now, Nokia has used the Windows operating system for its smartphones despite pressure from its shareholders to shift to Google’s Android platform
- The introduction of the Android devices comes at a time when the company is engaged in acquisition talks with the Microsoft Corporation
BARCELONA
Finnish mobile manufacturer Nokia on Monday launched its first family of Android devices hoping to regain its lost smartphone market share.
The company’s vice president for devices and services, Mr Stephen Elop, said the new devices are targeted at customers in emerging markets shopping for affordable smartphones. He spoke yesterday during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
Until now, Nokia has used the Windows operating system for its smartphones despite pressure from its shareholders to shift to Google’s Android platform. Android has been used by Nokia competitors such as Samsung and Huawei to gain traction in growth markets.
“The Nokia X, Nokia X+ and Nokia XL are priced to capture the fast-growing affordable smartphone market,” Mr Elop said.
“We will be making the first shipment beginning next week so they should be available for purchase in before the end of next month,” Timo Toikkanen, executive vice president for mobile phones, said in an interview with the Nation.
The introduction of the Android devices comes at a time when the company is engaged in acquisition talks with the Microsoft Corporation.
Analysts said although Nokia is joining the game a bit late, the new line of phones could change the company’s fortunes given the uptake of Android devices in the market.
In Seoul, South Korean manufacturer LG said that it would introduce a smartwatch to its portfolio of devices in 2014.
