Nokia this week revealed that it sold 2 million Windows Phone-based Lumia devices in the first quarter, a period that was otherwise "disappointing," the company said.
The numbers came amidst reports from Nokia 900 buyers in the U.S. about data connectivity problems with their smartphones. Nokia said today that it has issued a software update to fix the glitch, but will also offer buyers a $100 credit on their AT&T bill.
According to preliminary first quarter financials released Wednesday, Nokia said it sold 2 million Lumia devices and reported "sequential growth in Lumia device activations every month" since the smartphone line's November launch.
"Within our Smart Devices business unit, we have established early momentum with Lumia, and we are increasing our investments in Lumia to achieve market success," Nokia chief Stephen Elop said in a statement. "Our operator and distributor partners are providing solid support for Windows Phone as a third ecosystem, as evidenced most recently by the launch of the Lumia 900 by AT&T in the United States."
Still, the company's overall results for its Devices & Services unit were "disappointing," Elop said, illustrating that the department "continues to be in the midst of transition." Nokia pointed to competition from rivals like Apple and Samsung, as well as timing and consumer demand related to new products and the economy.
In January, Nokia said it had sold 1 million Lumia devices.
The Windows-based Nokia Lumia line was introduced late last year. The low-cost Lumia 710 was announced for the U.S. in December and made its debut on Jan. 11. Nokia's first high-end Windows Phone device in the states, the Lumia 900, hit stores on Sunday.
Software Glitch Hits Lumia 900
The release was not without controversy, however. Though the device quickly topped online sales via Amazon, users also reported data connectivity troubles.
In a Wednesday statement, Nokia said it has identified a "software issue" that caused the glitch.
"In short, a memory management issue was discovered that could, in some cases, lead to loss of data connectivity. This issue is purely in the phone software, and is not related to either phone hardware or the network itself," Nokia said. "As a proactive and prudent measure, we decided to take immediate action. We have identified the issue, and have developed a solution."
Nokia is providing users with two options: install the software update via Zune on or around April 16; or switch your current Lumia 900 for a new device.
With either option, Nokia said it will offer a $100 credit on users' AT&T bills "as a gesture of good will."
"We believe the Nokia Lumia 900 is unlike any other smartphone on the market. It represents an exceptional balance of power, ease of use and value, all wrapped in one of the most stylish, striking designs ever," Nokia concluded. "At $99.99 at AT&T, we think the Lumia 900 is already a fantastic deal. And now, it's unbeatable."
For more, see PCMag's full review of the Lumia 900 and the slideshow below.