Microsoft and Nokia are planning to tackle the smartphone market and hit hard with new low-end hardware, according to a report by Reuters. With multiple high-end products from Nokia, HTC, and Samsung already available, the company is now looking at the cheaper price points that attract a large portion of consumers. The Lumia 521 is such a Windows Phone that Microsoft hopes will win over the minds of consumers.

Terry Myerson, head of the Windows Phone unit, had the following to say on the move:

"There is an opportunity for us to offer a very high quality device in the mainstream. That's where we've made progress in the last couple of months and it's a strategy we'll continue to explore in the United States."

The Lumia 521, a variant of the Lumia 520 (they just have to name 'em differently), went on sale on the Home Shopping Network last week, where the product has already sold out. The Lumia 521 sports not only 4G connectivity, but also includes a 4-inch screen and a 5 MP camera. If that wasn't enough, wireless charging is also available with optional covers.

The Nokia Windows Phone will go on sale at Walmart starting next week. The $150 price tag will be coupled with T-Mobile's $30 unlimited data and SMS plan. This is said to work out much cheaper than heavily subsadised iPhones and Android hardware. It seems to be working in certain markets and Microsoft hopes to replicate that success in the states. According to the company, it has as much as 20 percent of the market in regions such as Mexico and Poland.