Nokia X :: A fourth platform
by Volker Weber
Until now, Nokia had three platforms: entry level feature phones, Asha and Lumia. Now they are adding a fourth platform: X.
X is built on top of AOSP (Android Open Source Platform). That is the open part of Android, a melting iceberg, because Google moves ever more software into the closed GWS part of Android. Other vendors using AOSP are BlackBerry or Jolla. AOSP runs Android apps, but not all of them.
X comes with Microsoft and Nokia services (and apps): Onedrive, Outlook.com, HERE, Mixradio, Skype. You can add apps from the Nokia store, many other (Android) stores as well as sideload via .apk files. The user interface has tiles and looks similar to Windows phone and it has Fastlane, an Asha feature.
There will be three models: the 4" X and X+, plus the 5" XL. The X should be available immediately, X+ and XL will follow in the second quarter. Their suggested retail prices are 89€, 99€ and 109€, excluding taxes and subsidiaries.
In other news, Nokia also announces an entry level 220 for 29€ and a new Asha 230 touch device for 45€.
Comments
Eigentlich verstehe ich es nicht, als Testballon allerdings ist es sicherlich nicht verkehrt. Und MS kann es sich auch leisten.
Unklar ist mir, wieso diese Geräte günstiger sein sollen als kleine Lumias - die Hardware ist doch identisch und Android ist nicht für seine Ressourceneffizient bekannt. Und die Lizenzkosten sollen mit WP8.1 dramatisch geringer sein.
Das sind Geräte für einen anderen Markt. Ich bin nicht mal sicher, ob man die hier kaufen kann. Wenn man X und Lumia vergleicht, dann wird man Lumia haben wollen.
It looks interesting.
What is their strategy?
Pushing a) Services brand (HERE, MixRadio etc.) similar to GWS and b) hardware brand? So egardless of platform (WP, Adndroid AOSP) you want Nokia HW and want the services.
Maybe vowe will have an insightful longer post after the event?
Their strategy is to compete in markets where the Nokia brand is strong and people cannot afford expensive smart phones. In the long run they need to replace their Asha software platform. This would be one possible move to do that.
That is the part I do not get - why is it not possible to push WP to the same price region like X? The hardware is basically the same and WP is not less (maybe even more) efficient than AOSP on identical hardware. Or is it not about price but protecting the Lumia brand?
I assume there are good reasons for this and I would like to understand.
I would not worry too much about it.
Which one has the best camera?
Which of the X? I'd say none.
