Nokia unveils smartphone priced at $99

Nokia Thursday unveiled a new smartphone named Asha 501 priced at $99 (Rs.5,000), aiming to capitalise on the growing demands for low-cost smart device in the developing countries like India.

The new device, which has basic functions of smartphones, will be available in Indian and other markets from June. It offers 2G connectivity, Wi-Fi and access to internet and applications like Facebook, but it does not support 3G network.

Finland-headquartered Nokia announced the global launch of the new device here, giving clear indication of its positioning in the emerging markets.

Addressing a global media conference, Nokia chief executive officer Stephen Elop said the company chose to launch the new device in New Delhi instead of the advanced markets like Britain, US or Finland, keeping in mind the growing demands for the low-cost phones in the emerging economies.

"India is a bellwether market. It is symbolic that we are launching it here," Elop said at a launch event in which media persons from nearly 20 countries participated.

The new device is the first phone in Asha series that will run a Nokia's revamped operating system, called Asha platform.

The new device has a 3-inch touchscreen and a 3.2 mega pixel camera. It will be available in six colours - red, green, cyan, yellow, white and black -- and the design looks similar to low-end Lumia phones.