Nokia has taken the wraps off its first post-Microsoft device, the Nokia N1 Android tablet, at the Slush 2014 conference.
Fire it up and it’s a different story, though; the N1 runs Android 5.0 Lollipop with Nokia’s own Z Launcher home screen atop it. Z Launcher serves up apps based on your location, call logs and the time of day; you can also draw a letter on the screen to search for apps or contacts by name.
Probably the most notable thing about the N1 is its USB port – in a consumer first, it has one of the new reversible ‘Type C’ ports. The new standard is intended to replace both the existing full USB and MicroUSB in one fell swoop, and comes in at roughly the same size as Apple’s Lightning connector.
Naturally, you also get the usual connectivity options; 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO and Bluetooth 4.0. Disappointingly, though, there’s no microSD slot to expand on the N1’s 32GB internal storage.
Inside, the N1 packs a 64-bit quad-core Intel Atom processor along with 2GB RAM; a PowerVR G6430 GPU provides graphical grunt, while a 5300mAh battery keeps things ticking over for up to 9 hours at a time, according to Nokia. Round the back, there’s an 8MP camera, while a front-facing 5MP snapper handles selfies and video calls in 1080p.
The Nokia N1 will land in China first, after the Chinese New Year on 19th Feburary; it will then roll out to Russia and European markets. We’ll have more news, including an exact release date and pricing info, as it comes in. What we’re really hoping for is confirmation of a South African launch.