Microsoft gets up in our grille with Windows Phone for selfie lovers

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Could the world be ready for a smartphone dedicated to the act of taking higher-quality selfies? Microsoft apparently thinks so, but just in case they've also got an improved midrange handset on the way, just to cover all the bases.

The Verge today reported that Microsoft plans to leave no stone unturned with its next pair of Windows Phone 8.1 devices, with executives showing off smartphones at both ends of the spectrum at an annual internal meeting this week.

According to unnamed insider sources, Microsoft Vice President of Devices & Services Stephen Elop debuted an upcoming handset he referred to as a "selfie phone," presumably the same device teased back in April under the codename Superman.

Intended for the lower end of the pricing spectrum, the budget handset has previously been described as featuring a 4.7-inch display with a selfie-friendly five megapixel front-facing camera.

Launching very soon?

Microsoft apparently isn't leaving any mobile money on the table, however, with sources claiming a second handset codenamed Tesla is also in the cards, described as a "thinner" and "less bulky" version of the Nokia Lumia 930.

The goal with Tesla appears to be pushing Nokia's PureView camera technology further down the pricing food chain, with Elop himself reporting describing the device as an "affordable high-end phone" during the presentation and accompanying video teaser.

The report claims Tesla is likely positioned as a replacement for the Lumia 720, although a leak earlier this month suggested the same device could be very well wind up being called the Nokia Lumia 830 instead.

Windows Phone fans may not have to wait long to see what Microsoft has up its sleeve: An internal memo leaked less than two weeks ago claimed the company was gearing up for "other high-end products... very soon," suggesting an imminent launch could be in the cards.

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