Nokia joins tablet war, shrugs off market doubts

Nokia joins tablet war, shrugs off market doubts

Finnish handset maker Nokia, on Tuesday, looked to shrug off doubts regarding its impending acquisition by U.S software giant Microsoft with the launch of a new tablet and flagship Lumia smartphone aimed at shoring up its slipping market share and placating its disillusioned traditional user base.

The company, which unveiled the Lumia 2520 tablet, the Lumia 1520 smartphone and four other products at its Nokia World event here on Tuesday, showcased a new timeline and direction for its smartphone devices. 

This new strategy and roll-out, however, may not come to complete fruition as Microsoft s upcoming purchase of the company s device and services division is not yet complete.

Former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, who is currently the Executive Vice President, Devices and Services however, dispelled rumours that the company s merging with Microsoft would affect future strategy.

As our transaction with Microsoft goes ahead, the new products that we have showcased today will continue to shine. While much will change as we become one company, some things will not. The team at Nokia will always remain passionate about connecting people, Mr. Elop said.

The other devices unveiled include the Lumia 1320 and an expansion of the company s Asha range-- the Asha 500, 502 and 503.

The new Nokia tablet will come with a 10 inch screen, a 6.7 megapixel camera and will cost $499. 

The Lumia 1520, which comes with a six inch screen and a 20 megapixel camera, will cost $749 before taxes and subsidies.

The new Asha devices will cost between $69 and $99.

(The correspondent was in Abu Dhabi at the invitation of the company)

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