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| The Nokia X series phones will rely upon an open version of the Android
mobile software system created by Google that has become the world's
most popular software used in smartphones. |
Just weeks after the launch of Nokia’s first ‘Android phone’ – Nokia X
– at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the company has brought the
phone to India. Priced at Rs 8,599 (best buy), the phone is available
for purchase starting today (March 10).
Although Nokia X is based on Android, it is very different from other
phones in the market that work on the Google’s OS. Here are six ways in
which the Nokia X is different from the crowd.
ANDROID SANS GOOGLE
Nokia X’s operating system has been built on Android Open Source
Project (AOSP). This is just a fraction of Google’s OS seen in many of
today’s phones. AOSP doesn’t come with proprietary Google code and
hence, Google apps such as Play Store, Google Maps, etc, will not be
available on Nokia X. Over the years, Google has been linking several
key features to Google Play Services, which isn’t available under AOSP.
If an app makes use of any of these features, Nokia X won’t be able to
run it.
For further information on the limitations of AOSP, you can read two articles on the subject at Ars Technica. One is about
Google’s iron grip on Android and the other explains why
forking Android is not the best idea.
DISTINCT MICROSOFT FLAVOUR
Nokia X comes with a customised tile-based interface
that reminds of Windows Phone. Couple that with Microsoft services such
as OneDrive, Outlook and Nokia’s own Here Maps, and it’s easy to
mistake this phone for a Windows Phone device.
Nokia said it is working on an easy way to migrate your data from the
Nokia X to Lumia phones. More details on that should be available in the
coming weeks.
along with a Nokia app store, where you can download many other apps
and games. You can also sideload apps (download the .apk file and
install), but that may not be a great idea because the app may not be
optimised for the device. Nokia allows you to access third-party Android
app stores to download apps that aren’t available on the Nokia store.
BUILD QUALITY
At the launch event in New Delhi, a Nokia representative threw the phone
down from a height of five feet and even banged it against wooden
surface. The Nokia X didn’t break and continued to work smoothly after
that. Of course, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to claim warranty
if you manage to break your Nokia X. Still, the demo was interesting and
we will definitely test the build quality as soon as Nokia sends us a
review unit.
Overall, Nokia’s phone is in the news because it stands out. There is
no dearth of Android phones in the market, but the Nokia X is
definitely going to grab eyeballs.
FAST LANE
Nokia X just has one button below its touchscreen
display. This is a back button that looks identical to the one on new
Asha series phones. It’s not surprising that Nokia also brought the Fast
Lane interface from Asha to the X. Fast Lane gives you quick access to
your favourite actions, whether it is playing music or calling. It also
keeps you updated on upcoming events from your calendar.
FIXED FOCUS
The Nokia X’s camera does not have auto-focus, which is a bit baffling
considering the phone’s price. The Lumia 520 costs less than the X and
comes with auto-focus. If you love photography, then the Nokia X’s
camera is going to prove a little restrictive.
THE APP MARKET
The biggest concern, however, is availability of apps. Nokia ships the phone with apps such as Facebook and Opera,
