Microsoft’s decision to wind down Nokia’s Asha, Series 40 and Nokia X Android phones, following its acquisition of Nokia’s phone business, doesn’t mean it’s exiting the market for basic mobile phones.
The company this morning announced a new device, the Nokia 130. It includes some advanced features like video and music playback, and a flashlight, plus content sharing via SD card, USB or Bluetooth. But it’s still a basic feature phone, with a dedicated keypad and a price of 18 euros or $25.
Re/code quotes Microsoft VP Jo Harlow, the former Nokia executive, saying that Microsoft is dedicated to feature phones for the long run — viewing the segment as an important way of reaching developing countries and introducing them to Microsoft online services such as OneDrive and Bing.
Microsoft says the phone will be available this quarter, and CNet reports that the device will go on sale first in China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Vietnam. The phone may also come to developed markets at some point, as well.
