Microsoft’s new Windows 10 smartphones are now official. The company announced their new Microsoft Lumia 950, Lumia 950 XL, and Lumia 550 at their press event yesterday.
Carrier Availability and Exclusivity
As yet, Microsoft has not revealed any details on which carriers the handsets will be available with, but now it would appear that they may be exclusive to AT&T. The news comes in a tweet from T-Mobile, who replied to a customer inquiry about when the devices would land on T-Mobile.
@Shroedeger The new Lumia devices will be exclusively sold by AT&T. *JessicaB
— T-Mobile (@TMobile) October 7, 2015
As yet, there are no official details from Microsoft and AT&T that the handsets will be exclusive to AT&T. As soon as we get some more details, we will let you guys know.
Features and Specifications
The Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL are designed to showcase the capabilities of Windows 10 Mobile. The Lumia 950 features a 5.2-inch Quad HD display, a 20-megapixel rear camera with ZEISS optics, and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM, and includes 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
The Lumia 950 XL, on the other hand, boasts a larger 5.7-inch Quad HD display and is powered by the more robust Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor. It also includes 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, with microSD expansion. Both devices support USB Type-C for fast charging and data transfer, and they come with a 3,000mAh and 3,340mAh battery, respectively.
The Lumia 550 is a more budget-friendly option, featuring a 4.7-inch HD display, a 5-megapixel rear camera, and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of internal storage, also expandable via microSD card.
Windows 10 Mobile and Continuum
One of the standout features of the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL is their support for Windows 10 Mobile’s Continuum feature. Continuum allows users to connect their phone to a larger display and use it like a PC, complete with a keyboard and mouse. This feature is aimed at professionals who need to be productive on the go and want the flexibility of a mobile device that can transform into a desktop-like experience.
The Lumia 950 and 950 XL also come with Windows Hello, a biometric authentication feature that uses the front-facing camera to unlock the device with facial recognition. This adds an extra layer of security and convenience for users.
Market Impact and Future Prospects
The exclusivity of the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL to AT&T could limit their reach in the U.S. market, potentially affecting sales. However, Microsoft’s strategy may be to create a strong partnership with AT&T to ensure better marketing and support for their devices. The Lumia 550, being a more affordable option, might see broader availability and appeal to budget-conscious consumers.
As Microsoft continues to push the boundaries of mobile technology with Windows 10 Mobile, the success of these devices will be crucial in determining the future direction of their mobile strategy. The integration of Continuum and Windows Hello showcases Microsoft’s commitment to innovation and user experience.
Source Ubergizmo
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