Nokia Asha 501 gets software update, brings WhatsApp and more

Advertisement
By Ketan Pratap | Updated: 21 November 2013 15:13 IST
Nokia has released an over-the-air Asha software platform update for the popular Asha 501. The headline-grabbing feature in the update is the addition of instant messaging app, WhatsApp. Nokia confirmed the update via it's a Nokia Conversations blog post.

The new features added on Asha 501 via the software update had already been revealed by the company during the unveiling of the Nokia Asha 500, Asha 502 and Asha 503 at Nokia World. Some notable changes include instant access to the camera app with the help of single swipe on the lockscreen, and capturing images by touching anywhere on the camera display. Further, with another swipe one can go to gallery and edit images with newly added filters and effects.

Nokia has also revamped the Fastlane UI on the Asha 501, which now comes with interactive alarm and improved privacy features on the lockscreen, allowing users to choose between a notification icon, and a full notification with details. Nokia has also added more services to show in notifications of the Fastlane, which include apps like Odnoklassniki, Sina Weibo, and Renren.

Advertisement

In addition, the software update for Nokia Asha 501 brings an API for VoIP, which would allow users to make calls over a data connection using any third party app. The company claims that the VoIP feature is currently available via Nimbuzz, and more apps will be added soon. The Asha 501 also features support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync after the update.

At Nokia World, the Finnish giant promised that it will be bringing some new additions to the Asha 501, and the company has indeed kept its promise. Users can learn more about the Asha software update to the Nokia Asha 501 here.

 
REVIEW
  • Design
  • Display
  • Software
  • Performance
  • Battery Life
  • Camera
  • Value for Money
  • Good
  • Easy to use UI
  • Smart design and form-factor
  • Value for Money
  • Bad
  • Battery back-up with data and Wi-Fi usage not satisfactory
  • No 3G
 
KEY SPECS
Display 3.00-inch
Processor one-core
Front Camera No
Rear Camera 3.2-megapixel
RAM 64MB
Storage 128MB
Battery Capacity 1200mAh
OS Nokia Asha platform 1.0
Resolution 240x320 pixels
NEWS

Get your daily dose of tech news, reviews, and insights, in under 80 characters on Gadgets 360 Turbo. Connect with fellow tech lovers on our Forum. Follow us on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News for instant updates. Catch all the action on our YouTube channel.

Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Vivo Y31s Launched in Malaysia With These Features
  2. Samsung Galaxy A27 Spotted in Leaked Mint Colourway, Might Launch Soon
  3. Apple Unveils iOS 27 With Revamped Siri and Liquid Glass Improvements
  4. Vivo V70 Lite 5G Silently Launched in Select Markets With These Features
  5. Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Tipped to Get New Look With Glossy Rear Panel
  6. Redmi Turbo 5 Confirmed to Launch in India With This Rear Camera Setup
  7. OnePlus Could Launch a New Budget Smartphone Lineup in India Soon
  1. WWDC 2026: Apple Unveils Siri AI With Major Apple Intelligence Upgrades
  2. Apple Unveils iOS 27 at WWDC 2026: Revamped Siri AI App, Faster Performance and Liquid Glass Upgrades
  3. WWDC 2026: Apple Launches macOS 27 Golden Gate With Major Siri Redesign and New AI Tools
  4. Astrophotographer Captures Giant Human-Shaped Solar Prominence
  5. Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Said to Ditch Matte Finish for a Glossy Rear Panel
  6. OnePlus N Series Tipped to Launch in India Next Month, Could Be More Affordable Than the OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite
  7. Vivo Y31s 5G Launched With Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Chip, 6,500mAh Battery: Price, Specifications
  8. Chinese Court Classifies Bitcoin as Property in Case Involving 107 BTC Theft
  9. Resident Evil Veronica Revealed at Summer Game Fest; Launch Set for 2027
  10. Karuppu OTT Release: When and Where to Watch Suriya’s Fantasy Action Drama Online
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2026. All rights reserved.