Elop said that despite the use of Android, Nokia remains committed to Windows and Microsoft, which is buying Nokia's phone business and patent rights in a 5.4 billion euro ($7.3 billion) deal expected to be completed next month.
Timo Toikkanen, Nokia's executive vice president for mobile phones, said Nokia went with Android in part because of the greater availability of apps, particularly those tailored for local markets. He said the aim is to lure customers who wouldn't have bought a high-end Windows phone anyway, but might have gone for a rival Android offering.
In a blog post, Microsoft said it is pleased that the new devices will include Microsoft's services, as it "provides the opportunity to bring millions of people, particularly in growth markets, into the Microsoft family."
Nokia announced two even cheaper phones on Monday, also expected to go on sale in early March:
- The Nokia 220 is meant as a starter phone for 29 euros ($40). It will have Facebook, Twitter and some games already installed, but users won't be able to add apps.
- The Asha 230 will offer more options for apps. The 45-euro ($62) phone is meant for people who are not yet ready for the Nokia X. It comes with a touch screen, but lacks the power and versatility found in smartphones.
For a first-time smartphone experience, Nokia Corp. is pushing the Nokia X. Because it uses Android, it will be able to run most Android apps. However, app developers may have to tweak some of their software because the phone doesn't have key Google services.
For instance, location services will have to be designed for Nokia's Here mapping software rather than Google Maps. In-app payments will have to be tweaked to allow billing through mobile carriers rather than credit cards, which many people in emerging markets lack.
Both the Asha and the Nokia X will have a feature called Fastlane. It remembers your favorite apps and services and offers quick access, along with recent notifications, on a single screen that is one swipe away from the home screen.
