New software update for Asha 501 offers one swipe access to camera, one-touch social sharing and a more personalised Fastlane

WhatsApp, the enormously popular instant messaging service, will now be officially available on the Nokia Asha platform. Starting 21st November, all Nokia Asha 501 users can download the IM application through a software update. The new software also comes with a smarter camera experience through ‘swipe’ and one-touch social sharing, and a more intuitive and social Fastlane home screen.

“Asha 501 will be the first device on the Asha Platform to support WhatsApp. The updated software will offer Asha consumers with a more social experience, building on the previous Fastlane experience. The new interface comes with a single swipe camera, single touch share to Facebook and ability to track Facebook comments and likes right from your Fastlane screen,” said Viral Oza, Director Marketing, Nokia India. The updated software with WhatsApp will come pre-installed in all new Nokia Asha 501 handsets, set to hit stores on December 5, 2013. Existing users can update the software through an over-the-air update.

WhatsApp currently has over 350 million monthly active users. Speaking recently at Nokia World 2013, WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum said that about 250,000 users per day are registering for WhatsApp using Nokia devices, including Nokia Asha and Lumia handsets