The first of new Microsoft Lumia phones launch this week, as the company gradually leaves the Nokia trademark behind. Today is the launch of the first of new Microsoft Lumia phones, flagship smartphones intended to showcase features of Microsoft's mobile OS. The Microsoft Lumia 535 release date today intends to live up to a reputation of solid mid-range smartphones. The US software giant has ditched the old name, and now has its logo proudly emblazoned across the front and rear of the device. Microsoft have chosen to aim their first phone at the budget end of the market and when the Lumia 535 hits Europe, it will come with a bargain €110 (£86) price tag. For your cash you'll be treated to a 5-inch HD display, 1.2GHz processor and 8GB of expandable storage. One big change for the Lumia 535 is the inclusion of a front-facing 5-megapixel camera. And there's a similar snapper on the rear of the phone as well. In the past, Nokia left selfie cameras off of their cheaper handsets and adding one could be a good call from Microsoft. The Lumia 535 will come in the usual bright colours and have interchangeable covers. It will also run on the latest version of Windows 8.1 and will come bundled with software including Skype and OneNote. Microsoft will start rolling out the phone in emerging markets such as China, Hong Kong and Bangladesh, with a European launch expected sometime soon. However, some reports state that strangely the Lumia 535 won't go on sale in the US. Microsoft are certainly playing it safe with their first phone, but with powerful specs and a bargain price it might not be such a bad idea. Jo Harlow, corporate vice president for Phones at Microsoft said: "Lumia 535 comes with our ‘5x5x5' proposition," "Innovation should be available to everyone, and we are doing this through the very best integrated Microsoft services included and out of the box, a 5MP wide-angle front-facing camera, and a spacious 5-inch qHD screen — all at an affordable price."
