ABU DHABI, Oct 22: Nokia, whose handset division is to be acquired by Microsoft, launched its first-ever tablet computer in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, aiming for a stake in a fast expanding sector.

The Windows 10-inch screen tablet, Lumia 2520, was one of six new devices unveiled in the Emirati capital, including two so-called “phablets” (large screen smartphones).

The Nokia Lumia 2520, available in red and white in a glossy finish as well as cyan and black in matte, is to go on sale in the United States at an estimated price of $499 by the end of the year.

“Initial roll out is to begin broadly in the US as well as the UK and Finland, with additional countries to follow shortly after,” the company said in a statement.

“The award-winning design, the breakthrough imaging innovation, and the new experiences that we have brought to you with the Lumia smartphones we are bringing them to the tablet,” Stephen Elop, executive vice president at Nokia Devices & Services, told reporters.

The device has a 6.7 MegaPixel camera and Zeiss optics.

Later on Tuesday in San Francisco, Apple was expected to show off slick new iPads to take on rival tablet makers in the run-up to end-of-year holidays. Industry tracker Gartner this week forecast that global tablet shipments will reach 184 million units this year, in a massive 53.4 per cent rise from last year.

The Nokia phablets, Lumia 1520 and a less-expensive Lumia 1320, have a six-inch screen.

The Nokia Lumia 1520 “delivers a brilliant image experience,” said Elop.—AFP