Nokia unveils new smartphones

Nokia takes a gamble on Windows Phone operating system

Nokia's boss today said the launch of the company’s new smartphones marked the ‘rebirth’ of the Finnish mobile phone maker.

The launch of the Lumia 800 and the Lumia 710 is Nokia’s first steps in the fight back against Apple's iPhone and Google's Android software.

The 710 is targeted at the mass market while the 800 is aimed at higher end customers. In addition to these, Nokia is hoping to build on its user base in the developing world by launching a range of hybrid phones under the name Asha.

The phones, unveiled today at Nokia World 2011, are the first fruits of Nokia’s partnership with Microsoft announced back in February.

Nokia will start shipping the Lumia 800 range almost immediately and the phone will be available in shops across Europe from November.

“Eight months ago, we shared our new strategy and today we are demonstrating clear progress of this strategy in action,” said boss Stephen Elop.

“We're driving innovation throughout our entire portfolio, from new smartphone experiences to ever smarter mobile phones.”

The company’s share of the smartphone market has dropped to 16 percent, down from 39 percent at the beginning of last year.

Nokia had phone revenues of €8.5bn with operating profits of €1bn at the end of this year.

But by the third quarter of this year, revenues had slumped to €5.4bn and profits turned into losses in the summer. There was a small turnaround in September - just into the black at €132m.

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