BY EMEKA AGINAM

Responding to the high demand of affordable smart phones, Microsoft Devices Group has announced the introduction of Nokia 215, its most affordable Internet-ready phone to the mobile phone ecosystem.

The Nokia 215 and Nokia 215 Dual SIM respectively come in bright green, black and white, and will roll out first in select markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe in first quarter of this financial year..

The Nokia 215 is expected to be available for an estimated retail price of $29 which is about N5,500 before taxes and subsidies.
Although all features phones will still bear Nokia brand name, the new product was designed to connect and introduce first-time mobile phone buyers to the Internet and new digital experiences.

Available in both Single SIM and Dual SIM models, the Nokia 215 will expand the reach of Microsoft services at more affordable prices.
With the product’s relative cheap price depending on the interest rate, the Nokia 215 allows users to access popular web content and digital services, and enable them to do the following:
* Enjoy online experiences via Opera Mini browser, Bing search, MSN Weather, Twitter and Facebook.
*Stay in touch with friends and family using Facebook and Messenger with instant notifications.
*Connect in new ways with SLAM, which enables content to be shared between devices and callers making hands-free calls using Bluetooth 3.0 and Bluetooth audio support for headsets.
* Delight in the fresh design, durable quality and outstanding battery life — all the features entry-level mobile phone owners have come to trust and love.
*Enter the mobile-first world with all the everyday essentials, including these:

Accordingly, built-in torchlight, up to 20 hours of talk time, outstanding battery life up to 29 days of standby time for the Single SIM variant and up to 21 days for the Dual SIM, MP3 playback of up to 50 hours, FM radio playback of up to 45 hours, VGA camera, among others are the major features.

Speaking on the innovative device, Harlow, corporate vice president of Microsoft Devices Group, said that, “With our ultra-affordable mobile phones and digital services, we see an inspiring opportunity to connect the next billion people to the Internet for the first time,” said Jo Harlow, corporate vice president of Microsoft Devices Group.

“The Nokia 215 is perfect for people looking for their first mobile device, or those wanting to upgrade to enjoy affordable digital and social media services, like Facebook and Messenger.