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Nokia has unveiled the first phone from its new Asha range, which comes in six colours and runs a revamped OS called the Asha platform.
The Asha 501 is the first smartphone to run on the new Asha platform and has a three-inch capacitive touchscreen and a single ‘back’ button.
Weighing 98 grams, the phone features a new ‘Fastline’ view, which displays recently accessed content such as contacts, social networks and apps.
The new Asha comes with Nokia Xpress Browser pre-loaded, which compresses internet data by up to 90 per cent.
"Nokia has surpassed expectations of what’s achievable in the sub-100 USD phone category with a new Asha handset that is unlike any other, with design cues from Lumia and a mix of features, services and affordability that is valued by price-conscious buyers," said Neil Mawston, executive director, Global Wireless Practice, Strategy Analytics. "This is a welcome addition to the market and a refreshing option for consumers looking to upgrade from feature phones."
The Asha platform is designed to provide developers with an open, standards-based environment for creating quality apps for consumers. Developers can create apps for the Nokia Asha 501 that will be compatible with future Asha platform-based devices. Nokia gives developers the chance to make more money through the global reach of Nokia Store and tools like Nokia In-App Payment and Nokia Advertising Exchange (NAX), as well as Nokia’s operator billing network.
Those looking to just play games will be pleased to hear that owners of the new phone can downloaded up to 40 EA games for free from the Nokia Store, worth a total of €75.
The Nokia Asha 501 is expected to start shipping in June 2013, and will be available through approximately 60 operators and distributors in more than 90 countries worldwide.
"We are very happy to offer the new Nokia Asha 501 through our subsidiaries in the continent. We are certain that this innovative device will follow the successful footprint of the Nokia Asha family, combining affordability with the best communication and Internet browsing capabilities," said Marco Quatorze, Value Added Services Director for America Movil.
Specs:
Available in single or EasySwap Dual SIM models
WiFi and Bluetooth
Dimensions: 99.2 x 58 x 12.1 mm; 98 grams
Camera: 3.2 MP
Single SIM standby time: up to 48 days
Dual SIM standby time: up to 26 days
Talk time: up to 17 hours
Additional memory of 4GB (card included in box), expandable up to 32GB
Forty free EA Games worth €75 downloadable from Nokia Store
Available colours: Bright Red, Bright Green, Cyan, Yellow, White and Black
Suggested pricing is 99 USD before taxes and subsidies
