Microsoft's Biggest Mobile Partner, Nokia, Just Revealed An Android-Based Smartphone

Nokia just announced the Nokia X and X+ phones, two low-cost phones running on an Android-based operating system.

This is a bit of a twist since Nokia has been working with Microsoft on Windows phones since 2011. Microsoft is currently in the process of acquiring Nokia for $7 billion.

Nokia CEO Stephen Elop announced the X phones at industry event MWC in Barcelona.

He pitched it as a good thing for Microsoft. He said the Nokia X runs Android applications, but uses Microsoft services. "It takes people to Microsoft's cloud, not Google's cloud," said Elop. "Microsoft will reach people it has never talked to before."

The Nokia X is a 4-inch phone that will cost 89 Euros, and is available immediately. The Nokia X+ will be 99 Euros, and it will have more storage. Nokia is also rolling out an XL phone, which has a 5-inch screen. The X+ and XL will be out in early Q2. The X phones will be rolling out "broadly," but starting in "high-growth markets."

More to come...