The Nokia Asha 501 – Peter Skillman, Nokia Design Team
Peter Skillman, Head of Mobile Phones User Experience and HERE Design, talks about the design approach behind the first in a new generation of Nokia’s Asha smartphone family.
New Nokia Asha 501 – One swipe to access everything you love
Put the whole world in your pocket with this new Asha smartphone. Nokia Asha 501 lets you access everything you use and love on a single screen with a simple swipe. Additionally, fast and efficient browsing with Nokia Xpress Browser means more data for less money. Keep in touch and in the loop with friends using your favourite social networks like Facebook and Twitter.
Find out more: http://nokia.com/NokiaAsha501
First hands-on with the Nokia Asha 501
Introducing the Nokia Asha 501, an affordable touchscreen smartphone with gorgeous industrial design and the innovative Fastlane feature, which means you are never more than a swipe away from accessing everything you love.
Find out more: http://conversations.nokia.com/?p=120951
Nokia introduces the Nokia Asha 501
Nokia Asha 501 and Asha platform reinvent the affordable smartphone category
New Delhi, India and Espoo, Finland – Nokia today unveiled the first of a new family of Asha smartphones with the introduction of theNokia Asha 501. The handset pushes the boundaries of affordable smartphone design with bold color, a high-quality build and an innovative user interface. The Nokia Asha 501 is the first device to run on the new Asha platform, which is designed to make the experience faster and more responsive. The Asha platform also helps developers to create, publish and make more money from apps made specifically for the new generation of Asha devices.
Standout design, innovative user interface
The Nokia Asha 501 makes high-end design and quality accessible to more people. The device is available in a choice of six striking colours that complement the elegant design. It comes in just two parts: a durable, removable casing and the scratch-resistant glass display, which features a three-inch, capacitive touchscreen and a single ‘back’ button. The compact new Asha weighs only 98 grams, for the ultimate portability.
The Nokia Asha 501 is built to make it easier for people to access everything they love, with a simple swipe and a choice of two main screens: Home and Fastlane. Home is a traditional, icon-based view for launching individual apps or accessing a specific feature, like the dialler or phone settings. The new Fastlane view was inspired by how people really use their phone. Recently accessed contacts, social networks and apps, unique to each person, are stored and presented in Fastlane. It provides a record of how the phone is used, giving people a glimpse of their past, present and future activity, and helping them multi-task by providing easy access to their favorite features.
Smarter and more personal Internet experiences
The new Asha comes with Nokia Xpress Browser pre-loaded, which compresses Internet data by up to 90%. This is aimed at making mobile browsing faster and more affordable. Nokia also announced the availability of Nokia Xpress Now, a new Web application that recommends content based on location, preferences and trending topics. It will be available via the Browser homepage or as a download from Nokia Store.
“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.”
Asha platform for next-generation family of devices
The new Nokia Asha 501 was purpose-built to give people the best possible mobile experiences at an affordable price. It is highly efficient, with an industry-leading standby time of up to 48 days*. The Asha 501 is the first smartphone built on the new Asha platform, which leverages Nokia’s investments in Smarterphone, a company which Nokia acquired in 2012.
The new Asha platform provides 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 unparalleled operator billing network.
Many of the most popular applications are already available or in development for the Nokia Asha platform, including CNN, eBuddy, ESPN, Facebook, Foursquare, Line, LinkedIn, Nimbuzz, Pictelligent, The Weather Channel, Twitter, WeChat, World of Red Bull and games from Electronic Arts, Gameloft, Indiagames, Namco-Bandai and Reliance Games. WhatsApp and other key partners continue to explore new Asha.
The HERE experience, based on Nokia’s leading location-based platform, will also be available as a download for the Nokia Asha 501, starting in Q3 2013 and will initially include basic mapping services.
“The new Nokia Asha 501 raises the bar for what is possible in affordable smartphone design and optimization,” said Timo Toikkanen, executive vice president, Mobile Phones, Nokia. “The synergy between the physical design and the engine that is the new Asha platform has created a smartphone with both style and substance at a great price.”
Facebook and global operators to support Nokia Asha 501 with free data plans
The Nokia Asha 501 is expected to start shipping in June 2013. It is expected to 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.
A leading operator in the Asia-Pacific region, Telkomsel is also supporting the arrival of the new Nokia Asha. “The Nokia Asha 501 will help us to boost the mobile Internet in Indonesia. It is powered by innovations like the Nokia Xpress Browser, based on a very efficient data consumption technology which allow us to offer best data plan tariff for people,” said Alistair Johnston, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Telkomsel. “We have a billing agreement with Nokia that supports the creation of local applications absolutely relevant to Indonesian consumers.”
The popularity of the Nokia Asha family has also prompted innovative approaches to bundled mobile services. Nokia, Facebook and mobile network operator Airtel announced they have joined forces to offer data-free access to the standalone Facebook app, as well as the mobile site m.facebook.com. By the end of second quarter, current Airtel subscribers in Africa and India** will be able to enjoy unlimited, data-free access to Facebook from their Nokia Asha 501 for a limited period of time.
Commenting on the partnership, Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer for Airtel Africa, said: “The collaboration with Nokia is in line with our strategy of enabling people to access data in Africa as we seek to bridge the digital divide across the continent. We’re already witnessing tremendous growth in data use across the 17 countries where we operate. The provision of free Facebook access is an excellent proposition to the millions of Airtel consumers. We are extremely delighted to partner with Nokia to give our consumers an even better mobile experience.”
Telkomsel will provide a specific Nokia Telkomsel Asha data plan that offers up to 500 MB of data use and includes 60 minutes of calls and 60 SMS. The company will also provide a one month free data plan to consumers using Nokia Asha 501 that can be used for all mobile Internet activities including access to Facebook or downloading apps.
“This bundle is a great way to discover Facebook on your Nokia Asha and enjoy the experience for longer without worrying about data charges,” said Vaughn Smith, VP mobile partnerships, Facebook. “Working in close partnership with Nokia and global operators made this offer possible and we’re excited to help connect the world on Facebook.”
MTN, a leading operator across Africa, said it will also offer the Nokia Asha 501 and ease access to Facebook. “We are excited to support this initiative with Facebook in Nigeria and Zambia and we are looking forward to expand it to other markets,” says Pieter Verkade, group chief commercial officer at MTN.
Product specifications and availability
The Nokia Asha 501 is available in single or EasySwap Dual SIM models. All come with WiFi and Bluetooth. Other specifications:
- 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.
Read more about the Nokia Asha 501 on Nokia Conversations: http://conversations.nokia.com/?p=120951.
* when using the single SIM model
**Under test conditions; actual results may vary, depending on use.
** *Time implementation differs by country
About Nokia
Nokia is a global leader in mobile communications whose products have become an integral part of the lives of people around the world. Every day, more than 1.3 billion people use their Nokia to capture and share experiences, access information, find their way or simply to speak to one another. Nokia’s technological and design innovations have made its brand one of the most recognized in the world. For more information, visit http://www.nokia.com/about-nokia.
The world of YouTube, designed for Windows Phone 8
The Windows Phone 8 version of the official YouTube app is getting a major update this morning; It’s been completely redesigned to make the most of Windows Phone 8 features. If you already have it, watch for an update notification on your phone. If you don’t, grab it here. (The app just published, so it might take a few hours to show up.)
What’s new? Lots.
- Pin videos, playlists, channels, and even search queries to Start as Live Tiles for fast access. The tile flips to show either the latest video from your subscriptions or the most popular one.
- A new and innovative playlist design gives you easy access to videos using a touch-friendly filmstrip.
- Just want to listen to a video? It now plays in the background even when the screen is locked.
- You can share videos to popular social networks, and via email and text.
And there’s no need to worry about the little ones viewing content you don’t approve of, since you can now pin YouTube to Kid’s Corner and limit content based on YouTube Safety Mode settings you configure. An update for Windows Phone 7.5 is also on the way in a few weeks.
Source Windows Phone Blog
Nokia Recycling process
For over a decade, Nokia have worked hard to recover 100% of the materials in your old phones for generating energy, making new things and creating even more sustainable mobile smart phones.
Watch this video to learn more about how Nokia recycles old phones, accessories and batteries around the world. For more information, visit: http://www.nokia.com/recycling
Find your nearest Nokia Care
Mobile phone recycling 01: Recycling process
Mobile phone recycling 02: Ask your nearest care point how to recycle Or visit http://www.nokia.com/werecycle
Mobile phone recycling 03: Recycling is easy
Mobile phone recycling 04: 100% of the materials in your phone can be recovered and used to make new products or generate energy\
Mobile phone recycling 05: The material in your phone can be used to create many new products
Mobile phone recycling 06: Just drop off your old mobile phone to the nearest Nokia Care point
Mobile phone recycling 07: Batteries are removed to be recycled separately
Mobile phone recycling 08: Today only 3% of people recycle their mobile phones
Mobile phone recycling 09: Recycling takes materials from old devices, accessories and packaging and gives them a second life in other new products
Nokia Expands its Innovative and Affordable Windows Phone 8 Portfolio in Bahrain
Manama, Bahrain, 07 May 2013: Nokia has expanded its Windows Phone 8 portfolio with the launch of Nokia Lumia 520 and Nokia Lumia 720. The new range which represents Nokia’s strategy to bring innovative technologies from flagship devices to a wider audience will be available at all leading retail outlets in Bahrain.
“The launch of Nokia Lumia 720 and Nokia Lumia 520 marks a welcome new addition to the Nokia Lumia family of smartphones in the Bahrain. The new line-up of Nokia Lumia devices offer compelling evidence of Nokia’s philosophy that buying an affordable smartphone shouldn’t mean compromising on the experience. They are affordable devices that offer the unique features that everyone loves about Lumia – beautiful design, extraordinary imaging, great tools for location and navigation, stellar accessories and wonderful apps,” said Tom Farrell, Vice President, Nokia Middle East.
“It is the perfect choice for people looking to upgrade to a Lumia Windows Phone and wanting a taste of some of that high-end innovation,” added Farrell.
Nokia Lumia 520
The Nokia Lumia 520 is Nokia’s most affordable Windows Phone 8 smartphone, delivering experiences normally only found in high-end smartphones, such as the same digital camera lenses found on the flagship Nokia Lumia 920, Nokia Music for free music out of the box and even offline, and the HERE location navigation suite. A four inch super sensitive touchscreen makes for a more responsive and immersive content experience than can usually be found at this price.
The Nokia Lumia 520’s five-megapixel autofocus camera adds a touch of fun to taking pictures with Nokia’s digital camera lenses. ‘Cinemagraph’ brings pictures to life with animation and allows users to easily share the fun with friends on Facebook, Twitter or via email. ‘Smart Shoot’ takes multiple group pictures with a single click allowing users to choose the best expression for the perfect shot or even remove people altogether, while the ‘Panorama’ lens provides an easy way to capture super-wide-angled photos of any beautiful scene.
Music lovers can make most out of their Lumia devices with the newly introduced Nokia Music which allows users to stream unlimited music for free without ads or sign in. Users can even download their favorite playlists to listen offline.
The Nokia Lumia 520 comes in four colors, including yellow, red, black and white and will be available at all leading electronic retail outlets for BHD 65/-.
Nokia Lumia 720
The Nokia Lumia 720 is packed with surprises, but its biggest area of innovation is in one of Nokia’s key strengths – the camera. The Nokia Lumia 720 delivers a high end camera performance at a mid-range price point. A large f/1.9 aperture and exclusive Carl Zeiss optics are designed to deliver bright, clear pictures day and night, while the HD-quality, wide-angle front-facing camera makes taking pictures with friends and video calling more enjoyable. The Lumia 720 also packs Nokia’s best front-facing camera, which is sure to be popular for the region’s growing phenomenon of self-portraits. In addition, 4.3” ClearBlack Gorilla Glass 2.0 display also boosts visibility from different and wider angles.
The sleek and stylish smartphone comes with the latest high-end Nokia Lumia experiences, including Nokia Music, the HERE location navigation suite, and the option to add wireless charging with a snap-on wireless charging cover. As well as being the sleekest Lumia yet, the Nokia Lumia 720 is also the first to have curved glass at this price point and its polycarbonate unibody feels smooth and almost completely seamless.
The Nokia Lumia 720 comes in the white and yellow colors, and will be available at all leading electronic retail outlets for BHD 120/-.
New Nokia Lumia with PureView takes on “The Hurricane”
The next Nokia Lumia is coming and we are excited to unveil it soon. In the meantime, enjoy a preview of what’s in store.
We took the new Nokia Lumia to Adventureland in Farmingdale, New York and strapped it to the front row of a rollercoaster called “The Hurricane.” It’s 60ft high and has an inverted loop, so we thought we would capture some video footage alongside the Samsung Galaxy S III as well as the iPhone 5. Which phone takes better video on this shake-filled and low-lit ride? You decide.
TouchMountain, an augmented reality app powered by Windows Phone 8
André Meyer, a student and developer at MIT Innovation AG, talks about and demonstrates TouchMountain. This innovative application makes awesome use of augmented reality to help users identify the mountain peaks around them, and then get additional information on the peaks such as facts, weather, and even view nearby webcams. Created as part of a 12 week university project, André explains that the app benefited from input from Nokia and Microsoft as well as Nokia’s community of developers and users. Talking about augmented reality André says “the possibilities are endless, that’s the great thing about it.”
TouchMountain was the Technology Showcase winner in the Lumia Geek 8-Week Challenge.
To find out more about developing for Nokia Lumia and Windows Phone 8, go to http://www.developer.nokia.com
For more information on how to develop augmented reality apps check out the Lumia App Lab, Create stunning imaging apps for Lumia phones here http://youtu.be/1ybjxRqlYaE
Making the Windows Phone commercial “The Wedding”
Get a behind the scenes look at how director Roman Coppola created the latest ad for the Nokia Lumia 920 Windows Phone.
See the commercial here: http://newwp.it/17te5c8
Make the switch: http://newwp.it/16jlWL3
Now’s the time to switch to the Nokia Lumia 920 Windows Phone: Engadget Reader’s Choice Smartphone of the Year.
Windows Phone Challenge: Local Scout Galaxy S3 vs. Nokia Lumia 920
Paul, Jessica, and Nick accept the Windows Phone Challenge and attempt to beat Ben in a race to find a place to eat dinner using the search function on their phones. With $100 on the line, see which phone finishes first and which one is left searching.
Meet yours: http://newwp.it/Z1aMok
Turn any neighborhood into your neighborhood with Local Scout on your Windows Phone. You can jump right to information on nearby restaurants and bars, places to shop, things to see and do—even events happening in town. Plus, you’ll see detailed info and reviews, hours of operation, directions, and deals. And you can set your Windows Phone to learn what you like as you use it, so you’ll see personalized recommendations right at the top of your local search results.
Nokia Lumia 521 Hands-On
Powered by Windows Phone 8, the Nokia Lumia 521 runs on T-Mobile’s fast nationwide 4G network. This phone is a perfect, everyday smartphone that will embody a range of high-end features at an affordable price.
Meet the Nokia Lumia 521: http://www.windowsphone.com/
The Lumia 521 features a super sensitive 4″ touch screen, 5MP camera with auto focus, and 720p HD video recording. It will also include exclusive Nokia applications such as Nokia Music, Cinemagraph, Creative Studio, Panorama, Smart Shoot and HERE Drive, Maps and Transit.
How Processors Bring Your Phone To Life
Switch to the Nokia Lumia 920 Windows Phone — Engadget’s Readers Choice Smartphone of the Year
Don’t fight. See why now’s the time to switch to the Windows Phone Nokia Lumia 920: Engadget’s Readers Choice Smartphone of the Year.
Make the switch: http://newwp.it/YhvMe4
Get ready for what may be the best photos and videos you’ve taken with a smartphone. The Nokia Lumia 920 brings Optical Image Stabilization, 8 MP PureView technology, and incredible photo and video software—all to Windows Phone 8.
Make Skype Calls Directly From Your Outlook.com Inbox!
Even with the best email service, sometimes text isn’t enough, and we all face those situations where it is just easier to jump on a call to talk something out. We know sometimes a quick call can accomplish more than a long email reply.
That’s why we are bringing Skype audio and video calling to your inbox. Now, with Skype for Outlook.com, you can choose the right medium for your message, whether it is an email, call, video call or instant message (IM) — you can connect with your Skype and Messenger friends all in the same place. This experience will start rolling out in the U.K. today, is coming to the U.S. during the coming weeks and is on track to be available worldwide this summer. For those of you in the U.K., download the Skype plugin for Outlook.com now.
Get Skype in Your Inbox
Skype for Outlook.com requires a one-time download of a plugin for your browser (available for the most recent versions of Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox). After you download the plugin, simply connect Skype to Outlook.com using your Microsoft account.
Customers with an existing Skype account will be asked to link Skype and Outlook.com in a few simple steps. Just merge your Microsoft and Skype accounts and you’re off and running. This will also allow you to add all of your Skype contacts to Outlook.com contacts.
Using Skype for Outlook.com is Simple
Just click on the Skype audio or video call buttons in your IM conversation. To start a call while reading an email from a friend on Outlook.com, move your mouse over the friend’s picture and click on the Skype audio or video call buttons that appear above his or her contact details.
Reach and Be Reachable
We’re excited to offer many of the best ways to keep in touch in one place. With the preview version of Skype for Outlook.com, we’re bringing two great communication experiences together and helping you stay in touch virtually anytime, anywhere.
As we said, this preview experience will start rolling out to UK customers beginning today and is coming to the U.S. and Germany in the coming weeks with worldwide availability this summer.
Source blogs.skype.com
Nokia plans to invest in imaging startup, Pelican Imaging
Nokia plans to invest in imaging startup, Pelican Imaging, as part of its continuous search for new technologies to bring to their current customer base and to attract new customers, mainly from the iOS and Android arena. Nokia has been very active in the past in bringing new unheard of technologies to the masses. In 2002 Nokia launched the Nokia 7650 the world’s first camera cell phone, and Nokia kept on going and going, bringing us innovation after innovation up until the latest Nokia Lumia range with Qi (inductive power standard).
So Nokia has always kept its boldness in investing into new technologies, and with this strategy and dedication, I see their market share growing significantly in the future. especially with the Windows Phone Platform.
So what does Pelican Imaging bring to the table? Pelican Imaging has developed a revolutionary new array camera for mobile devices, providing depth at every pixel. Focus on any subject, change focus after you take the photo, capture linear measurements, scale and segment your images, all on any device.
Learn more at http://www.pelicanimaging.com.
The Nokia Lumia Story Continues on the 14th of MAY
It seems that Nokia are gearing up for another surprise announcement on the 14th of MAY in London UK. This is great news which shows Nokia’s dedication and commitment to expand the Lumia range. So what would Nokia Announce on the 14th? Well rumours are floating around the web that its a 41 MP Lumia, nomatter what it is I think we are all proud of Nokia for their dedication. The Lumia range is growing and besides a 41 MP Lumia it would be interesting to see a QWERTY Lumia in the coming future.
Source wpcentral.com
Nokia Asha 210: first hands-on video
Introducing the new Nokia Asha 210, a fresh-looking Qwerty phone with the world’s first dedicated WhatsApp button.
Find out more: http://nokia.ly/12Hga2W
Nokia Slam. Sharing made easy.
NOKIA ASHA 210 & NOKIA ASHA 210 Dual SIM Data Sheet
