MWC: Nokia X is “A Gateway to Microsoft” – But Runs on Android
- Monday, February 24th, 2014
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Nokia has unveiled its rumoured Nokia X line of Android handsets at an MWC press event held this morning.
The range, previously codenamed Normandy, consists of three phones: the basic 4″ X, priced at €89 (£74); the X+, which features more storage, at €99; and the XL, which features a 5″ screen, a better rear-facing camera, and introduces a front-facing camera, at €109.
The handsets are built on Android Open Source Project software, but from a UI perspective theyre fairly indistinguishable from Nokias Lumia line of Windows Phone devices, using the same tile-based navigation.
The X will use Nokias own app store rather than Google Play – presumably to avoid paying the license fee for Google Mobile Services, but also to keep the branding of Nokias new owner, Microsoft. Third-party Android stores will be available, however, and users will be able to sideload Android APKs via a preloaded file browser.
To fill the gap left by Googles services, the devices will feature an array of preloaded apps from Nokia, including Here Maps and Mix Radio, and Microsoft, including Outlook, Skype and OneDrive – with the latter two offering X users free access to premium services. Nokia executive vice president Stephen Elop described the devices as “a gateway to Microsoft”, but conspicuous by its absence is Office. Elop said that the range of Microsoft services on offer would be expanding in the future, but refused to confirm that this included Office, or commit to a date.
The X will be available immediately, with the X+ and XL due in early Q2.
Asha, 2210 – but no Lumia

The X is part of a wider strategy by Nokia to target emerging markets with low-price entry-level phones.
Nokia also unveiled the 2210, a feature phone preloaded with Facebook and Twitter apps and integrating Microsofts Bing search engine. Priced at €29, its “our most affordable Internet ready mobile phone”, said Elop. “At this price, millions of people will be able to connect to the internet for first time.”
It also introduced the Asha 230, priced at €45, which Elop said is “aimed at those moving on from feature phones for the first time”.
No new Lumia devices were announced at the event, but Elop reaffirmed that the Windows Phone devices were still its “primary smartphone strategy” – but these cheaper entry-level handsets could let Nokia reach the places Lumia cant.