Nokia has announced a new software platform - Nokia X - that’s based on the Android Open Source Project. Initially the handset manufacturer plans to release three new devices running Nokia X. They’ll join the company’s Windows Phone (Lumia) and Series 40 (Asha) smartphones.
It means that Android developers can offer their apps to Nokia users with little or no modification. In fact, BlackBerry’s BBM will be preloaded on Nokia X phones in some markets.
Bryan Biniak, Vice President and General Manager of Developer Experience at Nokia, said “Today Windows Phone is the fastest growing mobile ecosystem in the world, and we continue to see incredible momentum with our Lumia smartphones. Now, with the introduction of the Nokia X family of devices, we’re delivering the same design, quality and innovation Nokia is known to lower price points to capture the fastest-growing segment of the smartphone market.”
The three Nokia X devices will promote Nokia services, such as ‘Here’ maps and Nokia MixRadio, rather than the Google equivalents included with most other Android phones. Nokia’s basic Nokia X OS device - also named the Nokia X - has a 4-inch display and a 3 megapixel camera. There’s a version with more memory - the Nokia X+ - and a larger-screen smartphone called the Nokia XL. Pricing is expected to start from €89+VAT (around £88 incl. VAT), with the Nokia X going on sale immediately.