After signing the definitive agreement with Microsoft to adopt its Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system, abandoning its home grown Symbian OS and announcing ambitious plans for a third ecosystem, Nokia finally announced the first two devices based on the platform at Nokia World. Although the phones feature some great hardware, in terms of software differentiation, they have little to offer. - Nokia's WP7 handsets: Nokia launched a range of new phones under the Lumia series: the Lumia 710 and 800. While the Lumia 800 is based on the same hardware design as that of Nokia's recently launched Meego phone, the Nokia N9, and is a premium phone, the 710 is a mid-level handset sporting interchangeable covers. In terms of software customization, the phone does not offer anything extra except a few Nokia branded apps for location, music and sports. - Software differentiation: Nokia Drive, which offers free turn-by-turn navigation and an in-car interface, Nokia Music with MixRadio, which will offer a free, global, mobile music-streaming service with locally-relevant channels and ESPN Sports Hub, offering sports news and scores. Note that Samsung and HTC, which also offer WP7 phones also offer similar services, however, Microsoft prevents fragmentation and does not support interface level changes. This means that the even after the big partnership, Nokia phones will more or less offer the same user experience that other phones based on the platform offer. - Availability and Price: Nokia Lumia 800 will be available from November in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and…
