Nokia has announced two new Asha series handsets – the Nokia Asha 205 and the Nokia 206, with the aim to provide a smartphone-like experience on a feature phone. Nokia has also unveiled a new featured called Slam, which allows instantaneous sharing over Bluetooth with any Bluetooth-enabled device.
The Nokia Asha 205, described as the ‘ultimate social phone’, comes with a dedicated Facebook button which will let users access their Facebook accounts in the quickest, most convenient manner. The phone also aims to make other online social networks like eBuddy and Twitter easily accessible while providing support for popular email services like Gmail, Yahoo and Outlook. The eBuddy app, for example, is integrated with a feature that allows for onscreen popups with updates on chat conversations.
The device features a physical portrait QWERTY keyboard and is available in both single SIM and dual SIM models. One of the more convenient features of the Asha 205 is EasySwap, which allows users to change SIM cards without turning off the phone. The phone also comes with a mobile entertainment package inclusive of 40 free EA games and along with a number of other apps and games (though limited) at the Nokia Store. The Asha 205 touts a standby time of up to 37 days for the single SIM variant and 25 days for the dual SIM one, and is expected to sell for a retail price of $62 (£38.6), exclusive of taxes and subsidies.
The Nokia 206, on the other hand, is designed in the classic mobile phone look with hardware highly reminiscent of older mobile phone units. The phone comes with an alphanumeric keypad and a moderately sizable 2.4-inch display. The home screen provides quick and easy access to popular online social networks like Facebook and Twitter. The Asha 206 (as well as the 205) also utilizes Nokia’s cloud technology designed to cut down data consumption by up to 90%. Of course, these devices are not aimed at regular smartphone users, but are ideal for users who prefer phones that retain easy-to-use simplicity with access to basic Internet-based services.
Of particular note is the Slam feature, which Nokia is rumoured to be pushing for its Lumia range of devices as well. As with most feature phone releases, these models will certainly do well in developing countries, though they also double up as great emergency devices for smartphone users.
