Microsoft’s upcoming Lumia phone, codenamed Superman, could arrive in early September. The Windows Phone maker recently sent out press invites for an event on Thursday, September 4 in Berlin, Germany with the tag line “Ready for more? Join us for more face time.”
Microsoft’s event is scheduled one day before the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin.
Microsoft’s reference to more “face time” could be hinting at an improved front-facing camera for selfies and video chat, as The Verge suggests. That’s exactly what the Lumia 730, a.k.a Superman, is supposed to be about. The Lumia 730 is expected to feature a 4.7-inch display and a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera.
Rumors about the 730 first appeared in April when The Verge said one of the earliest post-Nokia acquisition phones from Microsoft would be a selfie-focused handset codenamed “Superman.”
Then in late July, Nokia Power User added to those rumors, reporting the Lumia 730 could come in 4.7- and 5-inch screen sizes. More recently, purported images of the Lumia 730 popped up on Windows Phone Central last Thursday.
Another contender for a September 4 reveal is the rumored Lumia 830, which is expected to feature a PureView camera. Microsoft’s invite also appears to hint at the 830 by including an image of what looks like a rear-facing camera, as noted by Nokia Power User.
Reveals for the 730 and 830 aren’t a lock. Still, given what’s been grinding in rumor mill, and the apparent hints in the invite, one or two new Lumia phones are logical bets.
September is shaping up to be a big month for smartphone announcements. Ahead of IFA Berlin, Samsung is holding a press conference on September 3; the company is expected to unveil the Galaxy Note 4 phablet. Samsung used IFA Berlin 2013 to introduce the Galaxy Note 3.
Outside of the Berlin trade show, rumors suggest Apple could unveil the iPhone 6 on September 9.