Microsoft
has unveiled a cheaper smartphone, costing US$135, as it eyes emerging and
other low-cost markets for growth.
The new model is the first Lumia smartphone
under Microsoft’s own brand name. The company has released a few Lumia models
since it bought Nokia’s phone business this year, but those models still
carried the Nokia brand.
The Lumia 535
Windows smartphone will have a 5-inch screen, as measured diagonally. It comes with 5-megapixel front and
rear cameras, which should snap sharper selfies than typical smartphones.
Microsoft is trying
to expand its small market share worldwide with cheaper devices. To do that, it
has cut manufacturing costs. For instance, camera and control buttons on many
models can now be tapped on the screen rather than being physical buttons on the
frame.
Despite
the low cost, Microsoft said the new phone will offer the same Microsoft services that
high-end phones do. That
includes Skype video calls, Office apps and the virtual assistant Cortana.
As is common with phones for emerging
markets, Microsoft is making a version with slots for two SIM cards so that
people can switch between service providers more easily. In such markets, rates
vary so much that many people have multiple accounts to take advantage of the
best deals.
The Lumia 535 is expected to go on sale this
month. Microsoft didn’t announce any U.S. plans.
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