Two high-end Windows 10 Lumia models to be launched by year-end

PREPARING FOR WINDOWS 10: Nearly 30 different models, including the Lumia 520, will soon be able to update to Windows' latest OS.

In an interview given to ZDNet.com, Microsoft chief executive officer Satya Nadella, confirmed the release of new Windows 10 ‘premium' Lumia models before the end of 2015. The new models will be added to the line of smartphones already compatible with the next cross-platform operating system to launch on July 29.

Both new smartphones will be announced in Berlin at the IFA (Consumer Electronics Fair) that will take place Sept 4 to 9, 2015. According to the site MyWindows.nl, the newcomers are the Lumia 940 and 940XL. The same source describes the Lumia 940 with a 5.2in screen (1.920x1.080 pixels), a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal memory and an expandable micro SD card. The built-in camera has two 20 megapixel sensors (thanks to the next generation PureView) and 5 megapixels with a LED flash function.

The Lumia 940XL has similar specs but features a larger, 5.7in screen, (2.560 x 1.440 pixels) and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor. Its characteristics make it a potential competitor of the future Galaxy Note 5 and the Nexus 6.

Both smartphones propose a retinal scan to identify the user and could hit store shelves just before the end of the year.   

Objective: a majority of Lumia models to be compatible with Windows

Microsoft has already announced a non-exhaustive list of around 30 smartphones already on the market that should be compatible with Windows 10. The list includes the following Lumia models: 520, 525, 530, 535, 620, 1020, 1320, 1520 and Icon as well as the Microsoft Lumia 430, 435, 532, 535 and 640. In theory, the operating system should be adaptable to all models between 3 and 7.99in with a 512MG capacity and 4GB of Ram.

Windows 10 will be available in 190 countries and in 110 languages starting July 29. Other new functionalities announced include the use of biometrics for facial recognition or fingerprint technology as well as the introduction of Cortana, a virtual personal assistant and a revamped Windows store.

For the first time, updating to the latest operating system will be free for one year for Windows 8.1 users. — AFP Relaxnews