Nokia launches Asha series handsets, music service in India

Popular mobile handset manufacturer in the country, Nokia has finally launched their Asha series of mobile handsets, which include Nokia Asha 200 and Nokia Asha 300 in India. The Finnish company had announced these handsets, only recently at the Nokia World 2011 conference and now, months later they have finally made it to our shores. Lets have a closer look at the Nokia's Asha series handsets. 

Nokia Asha 200 is being touted as the first QWERTY dual-SIM device, which offer access to email and chat using Nokia Messaging in a single click. The handset sports a 2 megapixel camera. Users can also access social networking services on Asha 200, which include the popular Facebook. The official statement further confirms that those seeking internet access on the mobile, can do so using Nokia Browser and Webapps.

Nokia 200, with some funky colors

Among other features of the Asha 200 is, what they refer to as the smarter multiple SIM management, which let users personalize upto five SIM cards. Nokia Asha 200 also features an Easy Swap option, using which users can change their SIM cards without, either turning off their phone or removing the battery. 

Nokia Asha 300 with Angry Birds pre-installed

Next in line is Nokia Asha 300, which according to the official statement offers 3G access to the internet. Additionally, users can also access several apps on the Nokia Store using Nokia Asha 300. Interestingly, Nokia Asha 300 is being touted as one of the first mobile phones to offer Angry Birds pre-installed.

Here's a closer look at the specifications of the Nokia Asha 300:

• 2.4-inch resistive touchscreen with a 240 x 320 pixel resolution
• 3G, EDGE/GPRS
• Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP + EDR, USB-on-the-go
• 5MP fixed focus camera
• Stereo FM radio
• MicroSD card support for up to 32GB

Nokia has confirmed that the the Asha 200 is currently available in the market for Rs.4,759 (MRP), while Nokia Asha 300 is available for Rs.7,409 (MRP).

Nokia X2-02 - with Dual-SIM, DRM Music!

Nokia also announced the X2-02. The handset features Easy Swap, which as mentioned above allows users to change their SIM cards without them having to either turn off their phone or remove the battery. Nokia, in its official statement reveals its ambition of making the Nokia X2-02 deliver a complete music experience with Play via Radio feature, FM recording, in-built loud speakers and dedicated music keys. The Nokia X2-02 also includes the Nokia Browser and Web apps, which Nokia claims lends the user a superior internet experience. It also comes with expandable memory capabilities of upto 32GB. 

The official statement also confirms that these latest handsets to have reached the Indian shores come packed with DRM free, legal music service, which is also something Nokia have newly incorporated. Popularly referred to as - Nokia Music Unlimited Service, this service is now a part of the latest trio - Nokia Asha 200, Nokia Asha 300, and the newly announced Nokia X2-02 mobile handsets. Using this service, Nokia claims that those with the above mentioned mobile handsets will be able to access Nokia's famed Nokia Music Store and will be able to download and share free music from the store's collection of millions of songs.