Microsoft has launched the Lumia 530 in Kenya in its effort to recapture the low-end mobile handsets market. Retailing at Sh10,999, the phone is a successor to the Lumia 520 and will be sold exclusively in Orange outlets and authorised dealer shops. During the launch, the company’s representatives said Lumia 530, available in both single and dual 3G SIM, targets the youth who have already experienced the Android operating system with their first smartphone. Its preinstalled applications, such as Music + that allows for uninterrupted offline music streaming, thereby saving time and money. These apps are meant to win over the impressionable user group.
”The Lumia 530 demonstrates our focus on welcoming more people to the Windows Phone ecosystem with amazing devices that light up Microsoft’s digital work and life experiences at an affordable price point,” said Mr Kingori Gitahi, Product Manager, Microsoft Devices Group.
According to Mr Gitahi, with its high end apps, features and exceptional build quality, the phone sets the benchmark for affordable smartphones. It runs on Microsoft’s latest operating system, Window Phone 8.1 and its quad-core core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor ensures that apps run smoothly and that there is a seamless integration with Microsoft services such as Skype and Microsoft Office.
It comes with a 512 MB RAM and a 4GB internal storage space that can be elongated up to 128GB with a micro SD card. Users will additionally benefit from 15GB free cloud storage on Microsoft One Drive. “Our buyers don’t have to worry about the battery life. This phone’s battery capacity is 1430mAh, meaning that it can last up to one and a half days,” said Mr Gitahi.
The 4.0” Lumia 530 is available in a range of colours including bright orange, bright green and stylish neutrals such as dark grey and white, along with a selection of changeable shells in a variety of colours. Buyers will also get Coloud Bang speakers with every purchase.
“Our association with Microsoft on the launch of the Lumia 530 is a strategic and timely move with an ever changing smartphone market in which devices are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible. The partnership is consistent with the company’s brand promise of providing innovative solutions and products that are relevant to its market segments, thereby adding to the value proposition of its customers”, said Mr George Mlaghui, Orange Telkom Kenya’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer.
