Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Unveils Nokia X2 Android-Based Smartphone

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) unveiled Nokia X2, its first smartphone phone since acquiring the handset and services unit of Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK). The device is based on Android operating system.

The Nokia X2 is an updated version of the Nokia X smartphone introduced by the company prior to the completion of the acquisition of Nokia Corporation’s (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) devices unit this year.

According to Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), Nokia X2 is part of the Nokia X family of affordable smartphones designed to be introduced to the “next billion people.” The software giant will be selling the device as a dual-sim smartphone for $135 or €99 worldwide.

The Nokia X2 is just like the Nokia X, which provides access to Android apps and popular services of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). The smartphone also allows users to switch between their favorites apps through its Fastlane feature.

The Nokia X sports a 4.3-inch ClearBlack display and it is integrated with 5MP rear camera with auto focus and flash. The devices is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor featuring a dual core 1.2 Ghz CPU and 1 GB of RAM. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) said the name of the operating system powering the device is Nokia X Software Platform 2.0.

Timo Toikkanen, head of Mobile Phones, Microsoft Devices Group said, “The Nokia X family is going from strength to strength, with the Nokia X smartphone achieving top-selling status in Pakistan, Russia, Kenya and Nigeria, while earning the third-best-selling smartphone spot in India.”

He added, “The Nokia X2 elevates the Nokia X experience with a stellar new design, ease of use and new Microsoft experiences. We’re proud to continue to bring smartphone innovation to lower and lower price points.”

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is launching Nokia X2 pre-loaded with Outlook.com. Skype, OneDrive, and some X Box games. The Fastlane app enables uses to access recently used apps and future calendar items. Users can also download OneNote and Yammer for free from the Nokia Store.

The software giant will start shipping the device globally on July 2014. Nokia X2 will be available in glossy orange, black and green while the  glossy yellow, white and matte dark grey will be available later.