News Business Nokia X: First impressions

Nokia X: First impressions

New Delhi: Nokia, a soon-to-be Microsoft Company, recently launched a new series of low-cost Android smartphones for the emerging markets. The devices, having only minor differences, are known as the X, X+ and XL. While




Of course, the most intriguing part of the device is the user interface, which in this case is a forked version of Android 4.1.2 that uses the standard AOSP but doesn't give access to Google's suite of services like the official Play Store, Gmail or other core apps. Instead of Google services like Gmail, Calendar, Drive and Maps, Nokia has replaced all of the core Google mobile apps with the likes of HERE Maps, its own calendar, Outlook, Skype and OneDrive. Basically, The X family can can download just about any Android app but ties directly to Microsoft's cloud and core functionality.

The X launcher comprises of lined-up tiles. However, you can add folders if you're overwhelmed by apps. Despite being an Android device, the phone maintains the looks and feels of a Nokia device. The X also features a notification menu off to the side called Fastlane (a familiar terms for N9 and Asha users), giving you information regarding your favorite/most-used apps, your activities, open apps and background processes.

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