Nokia issues apology for faking Lumia 920 Pureview tech

Demo video not shot using new Windows Phone 8 device

Nokia has been forced to release a public apology for faking a video demo of the Lumia 920's Pureview camera technology.

The video was played at the Lumia 920's launch on Wednesday and was reported to have been shot using the device.

It was later revealed that the video was created in a studio to "simulate" Pureview technology.

The revelation led to a public backlash against Nokia, forcing the editor of Nokia's official blog, Heidi Lemmetyinen, to issue an apology.

"In an effort to demonstrate the benefits of optical image stabilisation (OIS), which eliminates blurry images and improves pictures shot in low light conditions,, we produced a video that simulates what we will be able to deliver with OIS," wrote Lemmetyinen.

"Of course, hindsight is 20/20, but we should have posted a disclaimer stating this was a representation of OIS only. This was not shot with a Lumia 920. At least, not yet. We apologise for the confusion we created."

Despite the backlash against the fake video, we were impressed with OIS when we tested it out at the launch event in New York on Wednesday.

Image above shown before applying OIS.

Image after OIS.

The Lumia 920 was the first Windows Phone 8 smartphone unveiled by Nokia and is the company's next top end handset.

Nokia has also confirmed a cheaper Lumia 820 Windows Phone, that will not feature the company's custom Pureview camera technology.

News that Nokia had faked the Lumia 920's video demo could cause further damage to the company's share price, which fell immediately after the 920 and 820's unveiling.

Despite the slump, analysts remain cautiously optimistic about the potential for the Lumia 920 and 820, claiming the devices will help increase Windows Phone's market penetration.

Check back with V3 later in the month for opening hands-on reviews with the Lumia 920 and 820.