Nokia to launch cheaper smartphones

Nokia and Microsoft have announced plans to accelerate the sale of smartphones running Windows software by adding a cheaper version to their lineup and dramatically expanding the sales network around the world.

At an industry event here, Nokia presented the Lumia 610, which will cost 30 percent less than its predecessor, the Lumia 710. It also unveiled a global market version of the Lumia 900, a Windows phone it already plans to sell for AT&T's new high-speed network in the United States.

Microsoft said it planned to open local-language online stores that would sell Lumia phones, applications and services in 28 countries, including China, by the end of March. The companies announced their plans at the opening of the Mobile World Congress, the telecommunications industry's largest annual convention, which runs through until Thursday.