The OS that rose from the ashes of what was Nokia's Meego, now has a tentative handset launch. Jolla has announced its first official handset. Currently, the device doesn't have a name, but it does have some pretty standard specs. The unit will feature a 4.5" display, dual-core processor, 8 mega-pixel camera, assorted back cover colors, LTE(select markets), and 16GB of internal storage with micro SD expansion. The OS also claims to have an Android compatibility layer of some sort.
For those that don't remember, Jolla is a startup company who decided to expand on the development of the Meego operating system from Nokia, when the Finnish OEM partnered with Microsoft on Windows Phone. Jolla runs the base operating system of Meego, but sans Nokia's proprietary Harmattan UI. Instead, Jolla has developed its own advanced, gesture-based UI called Sailfish OS.
The Jolla smartphone has no set launch date, but is expected to ship by the end of the year with a price tag of 399€(around $510). Jolla has taken a slightly different pre-order path as well. Similar to a crowd-funding campaign, there are three tiers to choose from when placing your order. The lowest tier won't cost you a thing and you reserve a handset for purchase when available. You can add priority status, and a Tshirt for 40€. The most expensive tier, 100€, will get the Tshirt, priority status, an exclusive back plate color, and the 100€ goes towards your purchase price.
With a late 2013 launch, it will be interesting to see how Sailfish matches up to an ever crowded space. Ubuntu phone will be ramping up for release, alongside FireFox. One could also assume they will be targeting emerging markets where a very similar OS in BB10 will soon be available, as well as their Finnish brethren, Nokia, will be launching its new Asha lineup. I do love a good competition!
Source: Jolla
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