Microsoft launches Win 10-powered smartphone for Rs 43,699

New Delhi, Nov 30: Technology giant Microsoft on Monday launched two new flagship devices - Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL - priced Rs 43,699 onwards that will be based on its latest Windows 10 operating system (OS).

In July, Microsoft had unveiled Windows 10 for computers and tablets. Packed with new features like Cortana and Microsoft Edge, the new OS is an attempt from Microsoft to lure back consumers who gave up on Windows for mobile devices.

"With the launch of Windows 10, we have ushered in an era of more personal computing which is all about interacting more easily, more naturally and more securely in a mobile-first, cloud-first world", Microsoft India Chairman Bhaskar Pramanik told reporters here.

He added that the devices are designed for Windows fans and professionals who desire a premium phone that takes full advantage of Windows 10.

"Lumia 950 (Rs 43,699) and Lumia 950 XL (Rs 49,399) are the first Lumia phones to come pre-loaded with Windows 10 in India. The flagship devices include innovative features like Cortana, Windows Hello beta for Lumia and Continuum for phones", Microsoft India General Manager Ajey Mehta said.

He however declined to comment on the sales targets for the devices. Customers can pre-book the devices starting today at Microsoft Priority Resellers, Microsoft Store on Amazon.in and retail chains of Croma, Reliance and Sangeetha.

The devices will be available from December 11. The devices come loaded with the 'Continuum' feature which when connected to a supported Display Dock beams all the apps to a larger screen.

The dock has been priced at Rs 5,999, but will be free for initial buyers. The Lumia 950 features a 5.2-inch display, 1.8HHz Snapdragon hexa-core processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB internal storage (supports 200 GB expandable storage) and 3,000mAh battery.

Lumia 950XL sports a bigger 5.7-inch display and 3,340mAh battery. Both the devices feature a 20MP PureView rear camera with triple LED flash and a front camera of 5MP with wide angle lens.

Lumia 950XL will feature liquid cooling technology to dissipate the heat, Mehta said. Apple's iOS and Google's Android based smartphones and tablets have emerged as strong competition to the Redmond-based firm.

With the new OS, Microsoft plans to offer a seamless experience to users across devices like PCs, tablets, smartphones and XBox (its gaming device).

Since the launch, Windows 10 is already running on 110 million devices (including 12 million businesses).

PTI