Microsoft launches £15 Nokia 130 with an eye for emerging markets
Microsoft is offering a new mobile phone that will set the buyer back just £15.
The Nokia 130 reaffirms the world's largest software company's commitment to low-cost products after recently revealing plans to put an end to the Nokia X and Asha.
The Nokia 130 is supposed to appeal to lower wage workers primarily in emerging markets. The low-cost phone will be sold running the Series 30+ operating system.
Speaking to the BBC, Jo Harlow, head of Microsoft's phone business, said: "This is a massive market segment, and there are not a lot of players in this segment for the reason that scale is really important."
"This is a space where smartphones today don't reach, so there is still very strong benefits to our business," she added.
Despite the Nokia 130's cheap price tag, Microsoft is confident of making a profit. The company says that a recent study showed that 300m contract-free handsets of £21 and under were sold in 2013.
However, the device will not have a data connection, excluding Microsoft's internet services, but can provide for 16 and 46 hours of video and music playback respectively, with up to 32GB micro SD storage.
The phone will be available in black, red and white and boasts standby times of up to 36 days. The device will be available in select markets, including Pakistan, Vietnam, Egypt and China.