Microsoft Intros the Nokia 215 Internet-Ready Handset with Physical Buttons and $29 P

[RoadWarrior]

2015 has kick started with a puzzling announcement made by Microsoft which just lifted the veil off a new Nokia handset.

We know what you’re thinking – despite Microsoft acquiring the Finnish company, wasn't Nokia supposed to maintain its separate status and brand?

Well, it appears things are a bit more tangled than that, as today the Redmond giant has launched the Nokia 215 smartphone, which comes in two flavors – a normal one and a dual-SIM variation.

Nokia 215 – because everybody should have an Internet-enabled phone

Microsoft seems to be striving for extreme budget-friendliness here, as the handset will become available for just $29 / €24 (before taxes and subsidies).

The aim is to provide almost anyone with an affordable, Internet-ready phone.

As you can see in the first promo images, the new Nokia 215 handset retains the vibe of old, coming with physical buttons.

But it's also hip, arriving with pre-installed apps like Facebook, Messenger or Twitter and is capable of providing notifications whenever something of interest happens.

Microsoft doesn't say whether the tiny display is touch-based or not, but we’d have to assume it’s not, so you’ll have to browse your way into social media by virtue of buttons.

Nokia 215 can connect to the Internet and users will be able to browse the web via the Opera Mini Browser and Bing Search.

It also has a built-in tourchlight, which might come in handy in certain scenarios (like if you live near the forest and such).

The handset can update you with the latest in weather thanks to the services of MSN Weather, an app that will send in hourly forecasts.

Sharing content with the Nokia 215 can be easily achieved thanks to the presence of SLAM technology, which allows you to send or receive files just by bringing another SLAM-enabled device in the vicinity of the 215.

The Nokia 215 is built to live long

The Nokia brand is known for durability and lasting life-cycle. The 215 is no different, as the single SIM variant offers a stand-by time of up to 29 days, while the dual-SIM models can last up to 21 days. Microsoft says the budget handset can be used for up to 20 hours of continuous chit-chatter.

If you’re a music lover, you can keep playing your favorite tunes (via MP3 player and FM radio) for up to 50 or 45 hours (respectively) on end.

Microsoft plans to bring the super-budget handset to emerging markets located in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe in Q1 2015. It will be available in white, black and bright green paint jobs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4_pXnDWExOw