Lumia 950, Lumia 950 XL get apparent release date, Microsoft to launch other Lumias in 2016

Technology giant Microsoft which is expected to launch exclusively-branded Windows 10 powered Lumia smartphones this year, could now release these devices as early as in October.

Earlier rumours had hinted that a couple of early Windows 10 Mobile adopters would be Lumia 950/Lumia 950 XL.

Both these high-end smartphones were also expected to be launched at the IFA 2015 to be held in Berlin in September.

Now, a new Windows Central report, that quotes trusted industry sources, states that Microsoft loyalists can expect both the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, tentatively codenamed Cityman and Talkman, to be launched during a Microsoft-exclusive event to be held in October in New York City.

Key technical specs of both the Lumia 950/Lumia 950 XL have surfaced, albeit unofficially. Unconfirmed reports have it that Lumia 950 (Talkman) and Lumia 950 XL (Cityman) will feature the following specs:

Lumia 950

• 5.2in 2K display
• 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
• 3GB RAM
• 32GB internal storage
• MicroSD card slot for expansion of internal storage
• HSPA, GSM, Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi 2.0 and microUSB connectivity
• Type-C USB support
• 3,000 mAh removable battery

Lumia 950 XL

• 5.7in 2K display
• 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor
• 3GB RAM
• 32GB internal storage
• MicroSD card slot for expansion of internal storage
• USB Type-C support
• LTE, HSPA, GSM, Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi 2.0 and microUSB connectivity
• 3,300 mAh removable battery.

According to rumours, Microsoft will be launching the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL by skipping an entire generation of mid-range smartphones which are purportedly the Lumia 940/Lumia 940 XL.

The Windows Central report also hints at Microsoft launching four other smartphones; but these handsets are rumoured to be released only in 2016.

This report is in line with an earlier leak by technology tipster evleaks, who had hinted about Microsoft working on developing six new Lumia smartphones apparently as part of its Windows Phone restructuring process.

Microsoft is expected to release Windows 10 Mobile in September, after releasing the full version of the Windows 10 PC operating system on 29 July.