Microsoft unveiled its latest smartphone, Lumia 650, amid uncertainty about the future of this part of its business.
Speculation earlier this year suggested the device may prove to be the last to wear the Lumia badge, following Microsoft’s acquisition of the handset unit formerly owned by Nokia.
The US computing giant is instead looking to refocus its smartphone activity around the high-end, with comparisons drawn with its Surface device line.
But no reference was made to Microsoft’s future in the Lumia 650 release. The new device “provides the perfect balance between work and personal needs”, as well as providing a “consistent experience across PC and phone through the power of Windows 10”, Microsoft said.
In terms of specification, the device is workmanlike rather than inspiring. Powered by a 1.3GHz quadcore processor with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage (with microSD expansion slot), it also has 8MP main and 5MP front cameras.
Lumia 650 has a 5-inch (720p) OLED display. Available in black or white from later this week (in “select” European markets), pricing is $199 before taxes and subsidies.
