Microsoft teases a product launch next week, possibly another Android-powered device

Microsoft, which now fully owns Nokia's Devices & Services unit, is about to unveil a new phone or a line of phones the following week. Judging by the countdown timer that was just posted on the Nokia Conversations blog, the announcement will be on June 23. Apart from the countdown timer, Microsoft also teases us with a green teaser image and two statements:"Green with envy" and "Summer brings out our inner glow". This falls in line with the rumors that we heard roughly two weeks ago. According to them, Microsoft is about to unveil a slightly more powerful successor to the Android-powered Nokia X that debuted several months ago.

That's right, according to the hardware specifications that leaked previously, the device will be an entry-level one, aimed at the emerging markets. Reportedly, it will sport a 4.3-inch display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, a dual-core Snapdragon 200, running at 1.2GHz, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of built-in storage, and a 5MP rear camera. The device in question is rolling under the RM-1013 model number and its codename is Nokia X2DS. Once again, it will be running a forked version of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, which means that Google's services and apps won't come preinstalled on the phone. Unlike the Nokia X, which only had a physical "back" button, its rumored successor is believed to also come with a physical "home" button at the front.

These hardware specs put Microsoft's upcoming Android-powered device pretty much on par with the affordable Motorola Moto E. Undoubtedly, this hints us that the battle for the emerging markets might get a tad fiercer if Microsoft indeed launches such an Android device.




source: Nokia Conversations via Neowin