Nokia X Family - An Android Supportive Product by Nokia

Nokia X Family

The Nokia X family is a range of new smartphones from Nokia introduced in 2014, running a forked version of Android. They are priced between the Nokia Asha and Nokia Lumia devices.

The Nokia X software platform is based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP) v4.1.2 and the Linux kernel Nokia have combined Android apps with Nokia experiences (such as HERE Maps, Nokia Xpress and MixRadio) and Microsoft services (such as Skype and Outlook).

Nokia officially described the software as bringing "the best of all worlds". It also encompasses features from the Asha platform, such as the Fastlane. The user interface mimics that of Windows Phone, which powers Nokia's Lumia smartphones. The OS has been heavily compared to Amazon.com's Fire OS for the Kindle Fire tablets, which is also based on AOSP.

Google's applications have been replaced by Nokia's and Microsoft's. Although the Google Play store is not included, with Nokia offering apps from their own Nokia Store, Nokia has confirmed that 75% of Android apps are currently compatible. Nokia has also noted that developers can port the remaining missing apps in a matter of hours.

In terms of hardware, the Nokia X devices heavily resemble the newer (50x and 230) Asha phones, as well as containing Lumia features. They contain a single 'back' button like the Asha 50x and 230.

Unveling

The phone was unveiled by Nokia CEO at Mobile World Congress on 24 Feb 2014. Contrary to previous leaks, two variants, Nokia X and Nokia X+ were released, with the Nokia X+ having 768 MB RAM as opposed to 512 MB RAM as well as a microSD card included in the box. The phone also contained the Lumia-inspired UI design, in addition to the Nokia suite of mobile applications as previously leaked.
A third phone, the Nokia XL, was released, with a larger screen, front facing camera, rear flash and greater battery life.

 Nokia X Platform

The OS is based on version 4.1.2 of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), much like Amazon's OS for the Kindle Fire line. Nokia X software platform version 1.0 ships with the launch models, X, X+ and XL.
It features a UI which draws on Microsoft's Windows Phone, as well as Nokia's Asha platform.
Google services and applications are replaced with those from Nokia and Microsoft. 75 percent of applications written for Android run unmodified on the platform.

A SDK is available for the platform, and includes an emulator based on the Android emulator.
Nokia is discouraging developers from using Windows Phone design patterns and encouraging Android design guidelines on the Nokia X^.

Nokia's VP of developer relations has commented that the Nokia imaging SDK will likely be ported to the platform from Windows Phone.

On 25 March Nokia released update of the Nokia X OS from initial version 10.0.3 to 11.1.1, bringing performance improvements and option to change the tile color of 3rd party apps.