Microsoft Lumia 950 (Talkman) and 950 XL (Cityman) won't be made out of metal, could be announced in September

 A few days ago, we told you about two alleged Microsoft flagship phones that could be announced in October: the Lumia 950 (codenamed Talkman), and the Lumia 950 XL (codenamed Cityman).

Now, Windows Central has more details about the two handsets, starting with the fact that they may actually be announced in September at IFA 2015 (4 -9 September), with sales expected to start in October or November.

According to Windows Central, which reports that the following details have been "confirmed with multiple sources", the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL won't me made out of metal (as previously rumored), instead having white and black polycarbonate bodies. Both will be pretty thin, though (around 7-8 mm), and "sexy as hell" - at least according to persons who "have seen and examined" them. Moreover, the two new Lumias should have iris scanners (it's not the first time we're hearing that Microsoft is working on this technology) as part of Windows Hello - a new feature included in Windows 10, which allows users to unlock a device in less than 1 second.

Here's what's allegedly a confirmed Lumia 950 (Talkman) specs list:

• 5.2-inch Quad HD (1440 x 2560 pixels) OLED display
• 6-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
• Iris scanner (infrared) for Windows Hello
• 20 MP PureView rear camera with dedicated button
• 5 MP wide-angle front facing camera
• 3 GB of RAM
• 32 GB of internal storage
• microSD card slot
• 3000 mAh removable battery
• Qi wireless charging support with flip cover
• USB Type-C

And a Lumia 950 XL (Cityman) specs list:

• 5.7-inch Quad HD (1440 x 2560 pixels) OLED display
• 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor
• Iris scanner (infrared) for Windows Hello
• 20 MP PureView rear camera with triple LED flash and dedicated button
• 5 MP wide-angle front facing camera
• Aluminum side buttons
• 3 GB of RAM
• 32 GB of internal storage
• microSD card support
• 3300 mAh removable battery
• Qi wireless charging integrated
• USB Type-C

Both new Windows smartphones will support Microsoft Continuum, a feature that can turn them into PCs (in a way). To make use of Continuum, Microsoft will launch an optional docking station - currently codenamed Munchkin - with USB and display ports, allowing the phones to be connected to a computer display, plus a mouse and keyboard. The Munchkin docking station could cost $99.

The larger of the two upcoming smartphones - the Lumia 950 XL, which will certainly be more expensive than the regular 950 - should come with an optional Surface pen (similar to the optional pens that are available for the Surface Pro 3 tablet), and an optional smart cover (reportedly, this has a large circular area that lets users see calls and notifications). Prices for these accessories haven't been revealed.

It's said that Microsoft hasn't decided on the final names of the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, but it will do it in September the latest.

What we're seeing below is a raw render of the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL that's based on a "combination of eye-witness reports, sketches, and internal Microsoft documentation." In other words, the real handset could look a lot like this.


Interestingly, Windows Central has it that the the Lumia 550, Lumia 750, and Lumia 850 (of which we've heard earlier today) have all been cancelled. Even so, a mid-range Windows 10 smartphone, currently codenamed Saimaa, could still be released later this year, possibly being a successor to the Lumia 640 / 640 XL.

Needless to say, the details presented above may change before Microsoft announces its first Windows 10 handsets.

source: Windows Central