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Nokia plans selfie-focused 'Superman' handset, report says

The device will come with a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, matching the HTC One M8, which is also trying to woo selfie-takers.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger

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Selfies, first-person pictures taken with the front-facing cameras on mobile devices, will be the focus in an upcoming handset from Nokia, a new report claims.

Microsoft-owned Nokia is currently working on a new phone, known as "Superman" internally, that comes with a 5-megapixel front-facing camera to appeal to selfie-takers, The Verge reported Monday, citing people who claim to have knowledge of the company's plans. The Superman, if it exists and launches, would match HTC's recently launched One M8, which also comes with a 5-megapixel front-facing camera to enhance selfie shots.

Microsoft completed its $7.5 billion Nokia acquisition last week. The new arrangement means Nokia and Microsoft will work together to build devices running on the software giant's operating systems. It's likely, given the timing, that Superman was developed prior to the completed acquisition, which could mean its fate is in doubt.

According to The Verge's sources, Superman will be a "midrange" handset with components that likely won't match those found in the high-end HTC One M8. The handset will come with a 4.7-inch screen, the report claims.

CNET has contacted Nokia for comment on the report. We will update this story when we have more information.