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Microsoft launches Nokia XL in India
MUMBAI: Last week after launching Nokia 630 in the affordable category, Microsoft Devices today announced that Nokia XL. Nokia XL is considered to be the flagship large screen offering under the Nokia X family of affordable smartphones that run Android apps, will begin selling in India soon. The device is priced at Rs 11,489.
Commenting on the launch of the product, Nokia India Sales (subsidiary of Microsoft Mobile Oy) Director Marketing Viral Oza said, “With the Nokia X Family we look to offer a variety of choices to our consumers at different price points. After receiving a great response with the Nokia X, which introduced the category to this market, we are now bringing the much awaited Nokia XL and X+ to our consumers. Nokia XL, our flagship offering within the Nokia X family, comes packed with a large screen experience with a superlative front camera and a wide array of apps, offering a great Smartphone experience at an affordable price point. This will be further amplified through the X+ which will be simultaneously launched with the XL completing the Nokia X family serving as the perfect introduction to the world of Android apps, coupled with signature Nokia experiences, and the most popular Microsoft services.”
To allow consumers to enjoy apps on Nokia XL, Microsoft Devices has tied up with Airtel to give users free unlimited download of Android Apps for six months. The plan allows upto 500MB of free usage through which consumers can download the apps via the Nokia Store and the 1Mobile store.
The Nokia XL device is the next offering in the Nokia X family which includes Nokia X, launched earlier this year in India, and the Nokia X+ launched simultaneously comes armed with an enhanced RAM (768MB) for even faster multitasking and is priced at Rs. 8,399. The new Nokia X family is the perfect introduction to the world of Android apps, coupled with signature Nokia experiences, and the most popular Microsoft services.
Consumers can access and download a wide array of Android apps, which can be side loaded as well as downloaded through Nokia’s own store and several popular third-party apps. Leading global apps will be available at launch for the Nokia X family of devices, including Facebook, LINE Free Voice and Messages, LINE Camera, LINE Bubble, Picsart, Plants vs. Zombies 2, Real Football 2014, Skype, Spotify, Swift key, Twitter, Viber, Vine and WeChat, among others. Additionally, as a first for Nokia customers around the world, BBM, a premier mobile messaging platform, will also be available on the Nokia X family of devices.
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Havas reports solid Q1 2026 with 2.5 per cent organic net revenue growth
Advertising group maintains positive momentum and confirms full-year guidance.
MUMBAI: Havas has started 2026 on a strong note proving that even in uncertain times, its converged model continues to deliver. The global advertising and communications group reported net revenue of €638 million for the first quarter of 2026, representing organic growth of +2.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. This performance was driven particularly by a robust +7.4 per cent organic growth in the United States.
Total revenue for the quarter reached €667 million, with organic growth of +2.8 per cent. Recent acquisitions contributed a positive scope impact of +1.7 per cent, while foreign exchange movements had a negative impact of -5.8 per cent, mainly due to the US dollar and British pound.
Europe, which accounts for 50 per cent of net revenue, delivered +1.1 per cent organic growth, supported by a good performance in France. North America (36 per cent of net revenue) led the way with +7.4 per cent growth, thanks to strong contributions from both Havas Creative and Havas Media. APAC & Africa (8 per cent) saw a decline of -6.2 per cent, while Latin America (6 per cent) remained nearly stable at -0.6 per cent.
Havas chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré said, “Havas has started 2026 on a solid footing, continuing its momentum and delivering organic growth in net revenue of +2.5 per cent. This performance, in line with our full-year 2026 guidance, was driven in particular by continued strength in the US.”
The group also continued its bolt-on acquisition strategy, acquiring majority stakes in four agencies during the quarter: Acento Public Affairs (Spain), Ctrl Digital (Sweden), Styleheads (Germany), and Eyesight (France).
Havas maintained its strong creative reputation, ranking as a top holding company in the WARC Creative 100 for the sixth consecutive year, with three agencies BETC, Havas Paris, and Havas India placing in the Top 50.
Looking ahead, Havas confirmed its 2026 guidance: organic net revenue growth between +2.0 per cent and +3.0 per cent, adjusted EBIT margin between 13.2 per cent and 13.5 per cent, and a dividend payout ratio of around 40 per cent. The group also reiterated its medium-term targets for 2028.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, Havas enters the rest of the year with solid fundamentals and confidence in its ability to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.
In a challenging environment, Havas is proving that its integrated, client-centric model remains resilient delivering steady growth while continuing to invest in creativity and innovation. The first quarter results suggest the group is well-positioned to navigate the year ahead with confidence.
