MUMBAI: It has become the most popular instant messaging (IM) service but Nokia Asha 501 users were not privileged to the WhatsApp service that currently has over 350 million monthly active users. Announced last month, the IM app will officially be available on the Nokia Asha 501 platform from today.

The current users of the handset can download the IM app following the over-the-air 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 Nokia India director marketing Viral Oza.

Also, now the new Nokia Asha 501 handsets that will hit the stores on 5 December will have the IM app pre-installed.