Microsoft Announces Lumia 950, 950 XL, And New Software Functionality

Yesterday’s Microsoft press conference wasn’t all about tablets and high-end laptops. They also took time to unveil a brand new Microsoft Band, two new Lumia phones, and a host of all new software capabilities from Windows 10 Pro. It’s very clear that under new CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft has a focus on a better cloud computing experience, but just how does that translate over to their new devices? Read on to find out.These new Lumia phones are unlike previous models in the sense that they weren’t just rushed to market so that Windows had devices to sell. No, these Lumias actually had a bit of thought put into them for performance, functionality, and a bit of future proofing to make sure that they’d be able to hang with the current and future crop of smartphone releases. It’s kind of ironic looking at the spec sheets for the new Lumias because on paper, they look a lot like the two new Nexus devices Google revealed last week. Think of the Lumia 950 as the Nexus 5X, with the Lumia 950XL filling in at the Nexus 6P slot, but both phones actually share more specs than the Nexus phones do.

The Lumia 950 has a 5.2 inch WQHD display, a hexa-core Snapdragon 808 processor, 32GB of storage, 3GB of RAM, and a 3,000 mAh battery. Both phones will rock the all new 20MP PureView camera with triple LED natural flash and Carl Zeiss optics, along with a 5MP front facing camera. No early reports on how good (or bad) these camera are, but if past experience says anything, the cameras will be really, really good. The 950XL will have a 5.7 inch WQHD display, an octa-core Snapdragon 810 processor,a 3,340 mAh battery, 32GB of internal storage, and 3GB of RAM.

Both phones share a USB type C connector, a microSD slot expandable up to 2TB, removable battery door, and a polycarbonate body. Both phones will also have the ability to use a new feature Microsoft has dubbed ‘Continuity.’ Continuity gives you the ability to essentially use your Lumia as a PC with the help of a special dock. Essentially your phone becomes the tower, the dock is your connector cable, and all you need to supply is a monitor, and voila! Windows PC. Now, I’m not really sure how useful this feature will be, but I do know that the suspicious inclusion of a liquid-cooling core inside the phone makes total sense now. Using any current smartphone for a mobile hotspot will leave your phone hotter than a freshly used skillet, but liquid cooling could help solve that issue. There’s also a bit of biometric technology on board, as Microsoft also included their ‘Hello’ service as an unlocking option. Microsoft Hello is essentially Android’s ‘Face Unlock’ with better facial recognition. As a backup, users will still be mandated to set up a backup pin code for alternate access. Both phones will be a carrier exclusive with AT&T, but will be available unlocked through the Microsoft Store. The Lumia 950 will sell at $550, while the 950XL rings in at $650.