Microsoft announces the $55 Nokia 230 designed for internet-enabled application

Dual SIM Lumia Microsoft Nokia Nokia 230 Windows 10

Microsoft announces the $55 Nokia 230 designed for internet-enabled application

Just recently, Microsoft made both the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL available in select countries and they will be coming to Malaysia in December. But, Microsoft Mobile (formerly Nokia) is not all about smartphones as the big chunk of their device sales are on basic phones which are designed specifically to connect people.

Nokia 230 and Nokia 230 Dual SIM specifications

• 2,8” QVGA (240*320)
• Nokia Series 30+
• 2MP rear camera with LED flash
• 2MP front camerawith LED flash
• 900/1800 MHz radios
• Bluetooth 3.0 with SLAM
• Up to 32GB Micro SD card support
• 1200 mAh battery
• Dimensions 124.6×53.3×10.9mm (91.8g)

Following the footsteps of the Lumia 950 series, the new Nokia 230 and Nokia 230 Dual SIM comes in two monochromatic colors, white and black. With a sandblasted aluminum back paired with a dual toned color scheme, Microsoft's new basic phone looks strikingly premium compared to the polycarbonate design of the new Windows 10 Lumias and yes,

Even with this premium look and feel, Microsoft didn't do away with the amazing standby time as the Nokia 230 still comes with up to 27 days of standby time for the single SIM model and up to 22 days for the dual SIM variant. That's not all, the measly 1,200mAh battery in today's standard is capable of up to 23 hours of talk time.

The Nokia 230 is not just designed to take calls, it's 2.8" QVGA display enables it to transform into a selfie camera, a camera, a web browser, a device to access Facebook, and many more internet applications. Nokia 230 still runs on Nokia's Series 30+ operating system and users will be able to download both apps and games through the dedicated app store.

At a price of US$ 55 (~MYR 232) excluding taxes and subsidies, the Nokia 230 single and Dual SIM variants will be made available in countries in India, Asia and the Middle East. Did I also mention that the Nokia 230 also doubles as a handy flashlight and the front 2MP camera is also assisted with an LED flash. Pretty awesome Nokia memories with the flashlight feature.


ORIGINAL SOURCE: MICROSOFT DEVICES

Subaru America joins the HERE MapCare program

HERE Maps Nokia Subaru

Subaru America joins the HERE MapCare program

Nokia's HERE Maps is announcing a new member of the HERE MapCare program which is Subaru America. This new partnership between the two companies will allow Subaru customers which own a 2016 Subaru model that has a built in navigation system to receive up to three annual map updates.

The MapCare program which was launched in 2009 is designed to allow drivers to get access to up-to-date maps and since the program was introduced, it has been joined by over 26 vehicle brands and there is now over 5 million vehicles sold that are enjoying the benefits of the MapCare program. Subaru America customers will continue to get map update for three years.

"We believe that every car should have up-to-date, accurate and reliable maps built for driving," said Bruno Bourguet, senior vice president, Sales & Business Development, HERE. "With our MapCare program, cars on the road today can get these maps from HERE in an easy and convenient way."

Nokia is currently in the midst of completing it's sale of their HERE maps division to German automaker consortium consisting of Audi, BMW and Mercedes. The deal is expected to complete in early 2016 and the MapCare program will continue despite the change in the parent company.

Nokia transfers their HERE mapping platform to Audi AG, BMW Group and Daimler AG

Alcatel Android Automobile German HERE HERE Maps iOS Maps Navteq Nokia

Nokia transfers their HERE mapping platform to Audi AG, BMW Group and Daimler AG

The news is official now and Nokia has just announced that the automotive industry consortium has come to a agreement to purchase Nokia's existing HERE mapping platform. This isn't something new by a long stretch as there has been quite a lot of reports about possible companies acquiring Nokia's mapping capabilities.

Nokia has agreed to transfer all of their HERE assets to the german automaker consortium which consists of Audi, BWM group and Daimler (Mercedes). This deal will cost the consortium €2.8 billion which is just a fraction of what Nokia paid to acquire navteq back in 2007. Nevertheless, Nokia's CEO and President Rajeev Suri said that this sale is crucial in Nokia's transformation as a company and adds that this will benefit the shareholders moving forward.

Once this deal is closed by Q1 2016, Nokia expects to focus on closing the Alcatel-Luncent deal which will indefinitely make Nokia the key player of network technology. It seems that this parting with Nokia and HERE is for the better as the future of the HERE platform is brighter with their new owners in which the mapping division will be able to further scale their business and fulfill their intent of becoming the leading location company across various industries.