Nokia is gearing up for its big event on September 5, which the company may use to introduce new phones powered by Windows Phone 8. Now there’s word coming out suggesting the Finnish manufacturer is for sure showing these rumored devices, according to sources familiar with both Nokia and Microsoft’s plans. These two handsets are called “Arrow” and “Phi,” which more than likely represents their code names, not the monikers they’ll launch with in stores. Both will be released under the Lumia brand, one as a high-end model (Phi) and the other as mid-range device (Arrow).
To no one’s surprise, AT&T will get exclusive rights to the high-end model dubbed as the “Phi,” as its the successor to the Lumia 800 and 900. If you’re a fan of the original Lumia 800/900 polycarbonate body, then you will be filled with glee, as the newer model plans to keep the same industrial design and hardware in place. As for the “Arrow,” it’s not much to say about it, except that its a mid-range device that will be available on AT&T and T-Mobile in the US. We’re sure it’ll probably resemble T-Mo’s Lumia 710. The variant to this new Arrow device, named “Atlas” is expected to hit Verizon.
In fact, rumors have been swirling about Verizon carrying a Windows Phone 8 handset for some time now, with the latest rumor suggesting it’ll come this year, so this new report isn’t far off. Thing is, how can Nokia and Microsoft truly compete against Android and the iPhone, when its best phone is locked to one carrier (AT&T)? I guess we’ll find out.
[via The Verge]