Nokia 'playing to win' with first Windows smartphones

Nokia has unveiled two new, sleek Microsoft Windows phones, a first step in the ailing mobile phone maker's fightback against Apple and Google.

And just as Nokia is relying on Microsoft's platform to pull it out of the mire, Microsoft is counting on Nokia to finally give its Windows Phone 7 platform, which has a tiny share in the Australian smartphone market, the kickstart it needs.

The unveiling comes as the company struggles to hold its place as the world's top mobile phone maker, having recently posted a third quarter loss of 68 million euros ($92 million).

You didn't think Nokia would go through all this hoo hah just for one handset, did you? It takes advantage of the same 1.4GHz CPU found in the Lumia 800, offers a 3.7-inch ClearBlack display and comes in "stealthy black" and "crisp white," with replaceable back covers. The 710 is to be priced around €270, or $375.


For availability, you can expect to see the Lumia 710 hitting France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK in November and then Hong Kong, India, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan by the end of the year, with additional markets in the first part of 2012.

iPhone 4S or Samsung Galaxy Android for me. (Just wishin').