Microsoft expects smartphone launch to boost growth

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Howe says the smartphones will continue to strengthen the company’s market share, especially among high-end users.

KUALA LUMPUR: Microsoft expects the launch of its Lumia 640 Dual SIM and Lumia 640 XL smartphones to contribute positively to the company’s growth moving forward.

Its General Manager of Mobile Devices Sales for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Bruce Howe, said the smartphones would continue to strengthen the company’s market share, especially among high-end users.

He, however, declined to elaborate.

“We are here to revolutionise imaging through our new devices,” he told reporters after the launch of the smartphones here yesterday.

Lumia 640 Dual SIM, which will be available in the market on April 17, costs RM739 and Lumia 640 XL, which is already available in the market, costs RM929.

Howe said both devices were specially designed for users who wanted flexibility to switch between work and play.

“These phones will keep users prepared for anything with the full range of Microsoft applications — high-definition screen and long-lasting batteries,” he said, adding that the Lumia 640 Dual SIM was also aimed at businessmen.

On whether the smartphones could attract buyers amid the current economic situation, Howe said, Microsoft made phones for all levels of consumers.

“Absolutely. It will attract buyers and will not affect our sales as people needs technology as well as devices that can bring them updates,” he said.

He said the smartphones would also come with one-year free subscription to Office 365 Personal.

“With the installation of Office 365 Personal, which includes the latest Office applications such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook and OneNote, users will receive an additional 1TB (one tera-byte) of OneDrive storage,” he said. — Bernama