Microsoft Launches $29 Internet-Ready Phone

(RTTNews) - Microsoft on Monday announced its $29 Nokia 215, a device that is being called the world's most affordable internet-ready phone. The 215 differs from other models in the $20-30 price range, as it includes a camera, Facebook and Twitter integration, Bing Search, and Opera Mini browser.

Also, the phone gets up to 29 days stand-by time, meaning that users in places where electricity is sporadic won't need to charge it as often.

"With our ultra-affordable mobile phones and digital services, we see an inspiring opportunity to connect the next billion people to the Internet for the first time," said Jo Harlow, vice president of Microsoft Devices Group, in a press release.

The Nokia 215 and Nokia 215 Dual SIM will roll out first in select markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe in the first quarter of 2015.

There are currently no plans to release the phone in the United States, where the market is saturated with souped-up smartphones like Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy.

Microsoft has pulled the Nokia name from its smartphones, but has chosen to keep the brand name for its feature phone series.

The Microsoft Devices Group includes Lumia smartphones and tablets, Nokia mobile phones, Xbox hardware, Surface, Perceptive Pixel products, and accessories.