Multi-functional mobile devices

Nokia unveils its newest handphones which offer consumers options catering to their individual needs

MOBILE phones are such a handy device these days. You can use them to send messages, take pictures, play music, record film and music, send and read emails, surf the Net and enter social networks.

Convergence of technology is what Nokia mobile devices have offered consumers and techies for years. At the recent Nokia Showcase 2009 held in Singapore, some new models from the Nokia’s range of mobile phones were introduced to help improve our lifestyle.

According to Chris Carr, Nokia’s vice president of sales Southeast Asia Pacific, one billion people in 150 countries around the world use Nokia devices. Based on consumer research, Carr said that Nokia has identified and decided to focus on five key areas that they believe have the greatest consumer demand and business potential – maps, music, messaging, games and media. "The convergence of the Internet and mobile is gradually but surely changing the way people communicate, share, search and live," said Carr.

For those who like to take pictures with their phone, take a look at the Nokia N86 8MP. This mobile imaging device combines wide-angle Carl Zeiss optics and an eight megapixel sensor. What you get is a great mobile phone that can function as a stand-alone digital camera.

The Nokia N86 8MP is designed to take pictures in both bright and low light conditions. It is also optimised for both video and still imaging. The metal-framed Nokia N86 8MP also includes 8 GB of internal memory for up to 4,000 images and the memory can be increased with an exchangeable 16 GB. The phone is expected to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2009.

If you always had difficulties finding your way around, your mobile phone can help you now. The first Nokia Navigator made its appearance two years ago. The company has been updating and improving its location-based services. The latest is the Navigator line, the Nokia 6710 Navigator and the Nokia 6720 Classic, built on the Nokia heritage of traditional candybar phones that excel in all areas.

"The navigation solution provided by the Nokia 6710 Navigator provides everything you would expect from a dedicated GPS device with all the benefits of a converged mobile device," said Carr. The solution includes the latest developments in the Maps software with real time ‘drive and walk’ navigation, full regional maps and hardware elements like the dedicated navigator key, touch area for easy zooming and a large display optimised for outdoor viewing.

The recent integration of Ovi Maps allows people to pre-plan their journey at home on their PC and synchronise with their mobile device. Maps have been updated to include high-resolution aerial images, 3D landmarks for over 200 cities, terrain maps, weather service, premium travel and events content and traffic and safety warnings.

With both the new devices including a compass that works in conjunction with the new features of Maps, the pedestrian navigation experience has been significantly improved.

These Navigator devices come with the Nokia CR-111 car holder, which holds the Nokia 6710 Navigator easily on the car dashboard. Hook it up to the new Nokia Speakerphone HF-310, which boasts high quality hands-free with echo cancellation and noise reduction, and you’ll get verbal instructions to help you find your destination.

Both the Nokia 6710 Navigator and the Nokia 6720 Classic offer an improved design with a slightly curved shape. Easy to hold, it can also function as a five megapixel camera with standard Carl Zeiss optics.

The Nokia 6720 Classic is expected to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2009 while the Nokia 6710 Navigator in the third quarter.

Nokia E55 and E75

Nokia also unveiled two new additions to its E series range, the full QWERTY Nokia E75 and the compact QWERTY Nokia E55, which are the first to ship with the company’s new email user interface to offer a richer messaging experience. Both devices also come standard with Nokia Messaging that, when added to the company’s corporate email clients, gives the users the most efficient solution for accessing consumer and corporate email on the go.

The enhanced email UI includes folder and HTML email support, expandable views and sorting capability by date, sender and size, as well as the most commonly used email functions just a single click away.

Inspired by the Nokia Communicator, a full keyboard is provided as well as the traditional phone keypad, which makes it a great deal.

Another standout feature is the extensive battery life, with the Nokia E55 providing up to 28 days of standby time. Both devices come with full Nokia Maps and assisted GPS with integrated three-month license for turn-by-turn navigation, and a great gaming experience with N-Gage onboard.

With Ovi Files, also included on the Nokia E75 and Nokia E55, important files stored on a PC can be remotely managed and shared, even when your PC is switched off. The Nokia E75 is expected to ship this month while the Nokia E55 is expected to ship during the second quarter.

Meanwhile, Nokia will also start connecting content providers with consumers through a one-stop shop, the Ovi Store. The Ovi Store will consolidate content services including Download!, MOSH and WidSets to a single channel, and help deliver media to whomever you want.

The content will range from applications, games and videos to widgets, podcasts, location-based applications and personalisation content for Nokia Series 40 and S60 devices.

The Nokia N97, available in June, will be the first device to include the simple and easy-to-use storefront. Existing Nokia Series 40 and S60 users will be able to enjoy the new service in early May.