Microsoft Releases Low Cost Nokia 'Internet Phone'

— -- We may be living in a 4G world, complete with high-resolution photos and video streaming, but the new Nokia phone from Microsoft is decidedly old-school.

Less than a year after Microsoft acquired Nokia, the company announced today the release of a $29 Nokia 215 Internet-ready phone aimed at emerging markets.

The device's aesthetics are a throwback to old Nokia devices, with a modern touch. The Nokia 215 brings with it a bare-bones 2G Internet browsing experience.

Using the Opera mini browser, the phone comes pre-loaded with Microsoft's Bing search engine app, Facebook, Messenger and Twitter, according to a blog post from Microsoft.

While the 2.4-inch display is a far cry from the behemoth smartphone screens we've become accustomed to, Microsoft is billing the Nokia 215 as an ideal entry-level phone or second device for users.

The Nokia 215 comes in green, white and black and will be made available in select markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe this quarter, the company said. Microsoft did not say if or when it plans to introduce the phone to the American market.