Nokia Finally Gives In to Google Android

• Nokia announced to launch new series of handset with the use of Android on 25 February 2014. 
• Nokia will switch to Smartphone that use Google’s Android operating system rather than the Windows Phone software from Microsoft. 
• Nokia is targeting emerging markets with three low-cost smartphones that use Google‘s Android operating system rather than the Windows Phone software from Microsoft, which is about to buy Nokia’s handset business.
• Nokia will ditch many of the Google services that come with Android and use instead the Microsoft services such as Bing search, Skype communications and OneDrive file storage. Its home screen sports larger, resizable tiles resembling those on Windows phone.
• For the first-time Smartphone experience, Nokia Corp. is pushing the Nokia X. New series will use Android OS, and will be able to run most Android apps. 
• However, app developers may have to tweak some of their software because the phone doesn't have key Google services.
• For instance, location services will have to be designed for Nokia's Here Mapping software rather than Google Maps. 
• In-app payments will have to be tweaked to allow billing through mobile carriers rather than credit cards, which many people in emerging markets lack.
• Nokia is trying to lure those who might have been drawn to multitude of apps available on Android. 
• The selection on Windows Phone devices is far more limited. Instead of having them hooked on Google services through Android. 
• Nokia could steer them to Microsoft services with a customized Android system.
• Both the Asha and the Nokia X will have a feature called Fast lane. 
• It remembers your favorite apps and services and offers quick access, along with recent notifications, on a single screen that is one swipe away from the home screen.
• The Nokia X is on sale immediately for 89 euros ($122). The Nokia X+ will cost 99 euros and the Nokia XL will cost 109 euros, with both going on sale in early March.
• The Nokia X and X+ both have 4-inch screens, but the X+ offers an SD card. The XL has a 5-inch screen and a better 5-megapixel camera. The one on the X is 3 megapixels.

Nokia announced two even cheaper phones, also expected to go on sale in early March:

• The Nokia 220 is meant as a starter phone for 29 euros ($40). It will have Facebook, Twitter and some games already installed, but users won’t be able to add apps.
•  The Asha 230 will offer more options for apps. The 45-euro ($62) phone is meant for people who are not yet ready for the Nokia X. It comes with a touch screen, but lacks the power and versatility found in smartphones.

Something About Android Operating System:

• Android is a Linux-based mobile phone operating system developed by Google. 
• Android was unveiled in 2007 along with the founding of the Open Handset Alliance—a consortium of hardware, software, and telecommunication companies devoted to advancing open standards for mobile devices.
• Android is unique because Google is actively developing the platform but giving it away for free to hardware manufacturers and phone carriers who want to use Android on their devices.
• A modified version of Android is used in the Google TV, the Barnes & Noble Nook reader, the Samsung Galaxy Tab, and countless other devices. Parrot makes both a digital photo frame and a car stereo system powered by modified versions of Android.