There are two new additions to Microsoft’s Australian line-up of smartphones. The flagship Nokia Lumia 930 and the entry-level Lumia 635 will both be available in Australia this month, complete with the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system.
The new models could fuel faster adopting of Windows Phone 8, which so far has been described as “steady” with the lack of handset and brand options impacting faster adoption, according to research conducted by technology analyst firm Telsyte.
Windows Phone 8.1 includes features such as one-swipe notifications with Action Center, the Word Flow keyboard and customisable background images. The OneDrive feature seamlessly syncs integrated photos, videos and documents across Windows Phone, PC, tablet and Xbox devices.
The Lumia 930 has a 5-inch Full HD OLED display and a 2420 mAh battery and built-in wireless charging, to extend the battery life. The handset will be available for RRP $729 and comes in a range of colours including bright orange, bright green, black and white.
Steve Lewis, general manager of Microsoft Mobile Devices in Australia and New Zealand said, “In today’s world, people are looking for devices that are both pretty and powerful. They want the design, as well as the features to help them get the most out of every moment at work, home and play.”
“With the Lumia 930 we have created a smartphone that blends stunning design with features that allows people to take control of their busy lives and take back a bit of ‘me’ time, whether that’s being hyper productive on the go, capturing, sharing and storing amazing images and video at a sports game, or Skyping friends and family from home.”
Other features of the Lumia 930 include the new Microsoft Enterprise feature pack, Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Nokia Camera, and HERE Maps and Drive+.
It has a 20MP PureView camera with optical image stabilisation, records in HD video and captures sound via four microphones.
The Nokia Lumia 930 will be available through Optus, Vodafone and Telstra, as well as leading retail stores including Harvey Norman, Dick Smith, JB Hi-Fi and Allphones.
The Lumia 635 is aimed at the value segment of the market, offering 4G connectivity, quad-core processing and a ClearBlack 4.5-inch LCD screen.The smartphone has a new matte black polycarbonate design in a choice of five interchangeable matte and gloss covers allowing users to customise their Lumia.
Lewis said, “With high-end technologies and apps, plus the latest Windows Phone 8.1 experience that people get with our flagship products, we believe the Lumia 635 is undoubtedly one of the best smartphones in its affordable price range.”
The Lumia 635 will be available on plans through Telstra and Optus (RRP $279).