Photo Samples from the Nokia Lumia Icon!
Nokia unveils three Android powered phones: Nokia X, Nokia X+, and Nokia XL with Microsoft Services
In an interesting twist on the rumors, Nokia officially unveiled a trio of phones running the Android operating system.
The Nokia X and X+ feature four inch screens, while the XL has a 5″ display, all with a WVGA resolution. On board we’ll likely see dual-core Qualcomm processors, 512MB of RAM, and 5MP cameras. While the underlying core is AOSP, they’ll be heavily skinned with Nokia’s Fastlane UI found on their Asha devices. They’ll also heavily feature Nokia and Microsoft services like OneDrive, Skype, Here Maps, and Nokia Mix Radio.Â
Aimed at entry and developing markets, the Nokia X will be available intermediately, starting at 89€ (around $120US). The X+ will add more internal storage and a MicroSD slot for 99€, and will be available in the second quarter of this year.  The Nokia XL will follow the X+ later in the year at an expected price around 109€.
Now these phones will likely not support Google Play, and I suspect the relationship will be more like Amazon and the Kindle. Developers will have to submit their apps to Nokia’s own standalone app store, but they wont have to rebuild apps from scratch so long as they’re compatible with low power Android hardware. It’s a curious thought that if these handsets find any market traction, Nokia’s app store could fill faster than Microsoft’s.
It’s also funny to think that Microsoft+Nokia might be able to succeed in producing popular low cost Android offerings which aren’t painful to use. The Moto G started a broader conversation in high quality phones for developing markets, and Nokia looks ready to continue that conversation. I wonder if there will be any demand for those Nokia services on traditional Android hardware, say Nokia Mix Radio for instance. I’m sure someone at XDA will grab the APK’s for us…
The exciting race this year is in low cost offerings. Nokia is taking a gamble by forking their OS, but they now offer several tiers of phones for a variety of different markets. This “X” line up slots in between Lumias and Asha devices.
Also announced was a new 29€ internet enabled phone called the 220 featuring a month of battery life, and a new touchscreen Asha 230 for 45€.
1st Impressions: Nokia lumia Icon (Shot from my hotel room for Social Media Week 2014 NYC)
Nokia has updated Verizon’s Windows Phone, moving from the 928 to a name, the Lumia Icon. I had to shoot this from my hotel room at SMW 2014, so pardon the drab surface, but let’s take a quick look at Nokia’s latest offering for Big Red!
Nokia Shows Off Lumia Icon Smartphone, coming to Verizon February 20th
It’s official! The next Lumia headed to VZW will be branded “Icon” instead of some string of numbers.
Icon looks to bridge some of the new high power internals found on Nokia’s 1520 phablet with a slightly more phone-like form factor. The 5″ OLED screen is 1080p, and it’s packing the Qualcomm 800 quad-core we’ve all come to know and love in our high end phones. 32GB of storage will be on board with 2GB of RAM to keep all your apps fed. Best of all, Icon retains internal wireless charging based on the Qi standard, so no futzing with sleds or cases.
For you A/V freaks, the 20MP shooter from the 1520 will make another appearance, as will the high fidelity quad microphone array which allows for incredible sound and solid noise reduction on your videos.
Bridging the boxy design of the Lumia 928 with a slimmer  Aluminum build and curved glass, it’s an attractive piece. Not as curvy as the phones we’ve used on AT&T, but distinctive and modern.
The phone will drop on February 20th for $199.99 with a two year agreement. Purchasing before March 16 will also get you a free wireless charging dock.
More info on Nokia’s site, or see their teaser vid below!
My Favorite Phone of the Year 2013 (And What’s Wrong With It)
I hate writing articles like this. I really do. I cherish all the people who read my reviews, watch my videos, and I have a healthy respect for what my small sphere of influence represents. My entire life I’ve been a problem solver, and I like heading off bad situations before they happen. My most valuable contribution to this system is how I share my experiences using various devices. As we wrap up the year now on News Years Eve, and say goodbye to 2013, I felt it important to discuss what one phone had the biggest impact on my daily gadget use.
I feel it necessary to deliver this disclaimer: There is no such thing as a one size fits all tech solution. Just because this was my favorite phone of the year, it doesn’t mean I’m endorsing it for everyone, and I find debates surrounding which phone is “best” quite tedious. I chose the title “favorite” for a reason.
Enough preface.
My favorite phone of the year is:
Continue reading “My Favorite Phone of the Year 2013 (And What’s Wrong With It)”
Video Tip: The Nokia Lumia 2520 Tablet and USB Host Support
Nokia made an odd design choice putting a Micro USB 3.0 connector on the Lumia 2520, but we’re still able to use USB peripherals and even our old USB 2.0 OTG adapters! Connect flash drives, or even USB microphones.
Let’s take a look!
Ask Juan: Now that I own an RT tablet, will Windows RT disappear?
Just got this question from a reader. Jim asks:
As a recent purchaser of a Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet I am starting to get a little concerned about Windows RT folding or at least developers not making apps. Is this real and if so what does that mean for my tabby?
Hey Jim! First of all congrats on the Lumia! It was my Windows Tablet pick of the year!
So here’s the deal.
Windows RT as we know it today probably wont stick around long, and as the owner of a 2520 this is a good thing for you…Â Continue reading “Ask Juan: Now that I own an RT tablet, will Windows RT disappear?”
Review: Nokia Purity Pro Bluetooth Headphones with NFC Pairing! (BH-940)
I LOVE audio gear. Speaker reviews. Headphone reviews. They’re all good!
I haven’t tackled a pair of cans for a while, and thankfully I’ve got a MONSTER pair of Nokia cans to check out (see what I did there). One of my first gadget reviews was the wonderful Nokia Bluetooth BH-905’s, and now with the BH-940’s Nokia has added NFC pairing to their wireless headphone formula.
Retailing for around $250, let’s see if this is peanut butter jelly time!