Microsoft Lumia 940 and 940 XL Release Date With Windows 10: Microsoft to Unveil Smartphones In October 19 Event

By Komfie Manalo
Leaked Microsoft Lumia prototype
Rumored photo of a mysterious Microsoft Lumia prototype leaked online.  SZ Leaks via Baidu

Microsoft will have its own event in New York on October 19 where the tech giant is expected to unveil its two flagship smartphones, the Lumia 940 and Lumia 940 XL, along with launching the Surface Pro 4 for tablet fans.

Tipstes Nokia Power User cited a unnamed source claiming that the company is also planning to introduce the new Microsoft Brand during the event.

Mobile carrier T&T is expected to carry the two handsets and start selling the new smartphones in the United States on the first week or second week of November, Latino Post reported. Another U.S. mobile phone carrier, T-Mobile, is reported to carry the Microsoft Lumia 940 and 960 XL at a much later date.

Unfortunately for fans of the Microsoft handsets in other parts of the world, the company has not yet released a specific date for an international release of the Lumia 940 and the Lumia 940 XL.

Both the Lumia 940 and 940 XL are touted to be the first Windows phones to run Windows 10.  The Lumia 940 will have a 5.2 inch WQHD (1440 x 2560) display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chip, 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage with microSD expansion, 3,000 mAh removable battery, USB Type-C port, and Qi Wireless charging with a flip cover.  The cameras will be a 20 Megapixel type on the rear and a 5 Megapixel type on the front.  It will also have an Iris scanner, which will really make this a secure phone. 

The specs of the Lumia 940 XL include a 5.7 inch WQHD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, as well as a 3,300 mAh battery.  The rest of the features are identical to that of the Lumia 940.  They both are expected to have a matte white or black polycarbonate exterior, and may include new software like Windows Hello and Microsoft Continuum.  The flagship smartphones will have advanced features like 3D-Interaction, Iris Scanner, and pen support.

What We Know So Far With The Lumia 940 and Lumia 940 XL

In a report, Australian News Networks said that Lumia 940 could possibly retail for over $600 when it hits the shelves sometime in November after its official unveiling on October 19 during the Microsoft event.

The web site also listed some of the best features of the flagship smartphone:

1.      Variety of Colors. According to the report, the new Microsoft Lumia 940 would come in a variety of colors, including bright orange and green along with white, black as well as gold.

2.      Sleeker Design With Polycarbonate Back. The new smartphone will be sporting a polycarbonate back and not the rumored metal black back casing. It will also have a much sleeker body than its predecessor.

3.      Improved Cortana. Another interesting feature of the Lumia 940 is its upgraded version of Microsoft's virtual assistant, Cortana. The virtual assistant will have newer capabilities as it will be running on the new Windows 10 OS.

4.      Supercharging Capability. The new device is capable of superfast charging reaching 85% power capacity in just about 25 minutes.

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