Microsoft's mobile platform enjoys expanded availability around the world

Mar 28, 2012 09:33 GMT  ·  By

Today, Nokia announced the release of its Windows Phone-powered Lumia 800C and Lumia 610C smartphones on the market in China, marking the debut of the first CDMA Windows Phone in the country.

This is the first time a Windows Phone device is available on the airwaves of a major wireless carrier in the country, and this marks a milestone in the evolution of the platform.

The Lumia 800C, which is nothing more than a Chinese-crafted flavor of Nokia’s first Windows Phone, will arrive on shelves at China Telecom in April, featuring a price tag of 3599 RMB (570 USD or 430 EUR).

As for the CDMA flavor of Lumia 610, currently the most affordable Windows Phone out there, it will be released in China sometime in the second quarter of the year.

Through this launch, Nokia and Microsoft are tapping great expansion options in the world’s largest mobile phone market. Not to mention that China Telecom operates the largest CDMA wireless network in the world.

Additionally, we should note that Nokia and the wireless carrier have been hard at work packing the mobile phone with a series of features aimed specifically at this market.

“Nokia 800C owners will have access to popular Chinese media and social networking services including Sina, SOHU, Tencent and Renren,” Microsoft’s Michael Stroh explains in a recent blog post.

There will also be Nokia-specific applications loaded on this device, such as Nokia Maps, Nokia Music and Nokia Drive.

Not to mention that Nokia Lumia 800C users will be able to access the newly launched Chinese version of the Windows Phone Marketplace.

China is currently the top market when it comes to Android and iOS activations, and Microsoft and Nokia will have to fight their way up to make Windows Phone a leading OS here.

However, with already over 250 million Nokia users in the country, the two hope for great sales right from the start. Backed by a viral marketing campaign, the Lumia 800C could indeed become as successful as expected.

Photo Gallery (2 Images)

Nokia announces two Windows Phones for China
Nokia Lumia 800C
Open gallery