Nokia’s strategy to pay more attention to its Asha range of mobile phones is finally taking off with the launch ofNokia Asha 501 on an entirely new Asha platform. Both the handset and platform were launced today in India and will feature Nokia’s new Xpress browser which compresses internet data by upto 90% to make browsing faster.
To make the platform exciting, Nokia has included and will include popular apps like CNN, ESPN, Facebook, Linkedin, Nimbuzz, Twitter on the Asha OS. Asha will also feature games form EA Games, Gameloft, Indiagames etc. 40 free games for the new platform from EA Games worth 75 Euros are already available for download on theNokia store.
Nokia is also asking developers to build apps for the new platform and get paid in return through Nokia stores, Nokia In-App payment, Nokia advertising exchange and Nokia’s operator billing network.
Asha 501 is a dual SIM smartphone with a compact form factor, a 3.2 MP camera, and a talktime of upto 17 hours. It weighs only 99g and will be available in red, green , cyan, yellow, white and black variants. It has 3 inch touch screen as well.
Nokia Asha 501 will be available in June for an estimated price of $99. In India it will be available for an approximate price of Rs 6,500 (including taxes)