Finnish mobile phone vendor Nokia has unveiled the N97 mini, a smaller version of its N97 smartphone aimed at the youth market, along with new music phones and its Booklet netbook computer at its Nokia World event in Stuttgart.
The N97 Mini which Nokia calls a computer rather than a phone is only slightly smaller than the N97, but it comes in a slick stainless steel casing, runs new software that adds features including flick-scrolling, homescreen widgets and something Nokia calls “lifecasting”.
Lifecasting lets Facebook users post their location and status updates direct to the Internet social networking site. But according to Nokia:
“Lifecasting goes beyond just publishing your status it is about building deeper and closer connections between people. It triggers new kinds of communication patterns”.
Also aimed at the youth market were two new Nokia music phones, the X6 and X3. The X6 can hold 35 hours of music and has a 16:9 widescreen touch display optimised for photos, videos and Web browsing; it also features Nokia’s Comes With Music service which offers free downloads.
The X3 is described as a sleek and compact music device that comes with stereo speakers, built-in FM radio, and a 3.2 megapixel camera.
Nokia’s Booklet its first netbook was drawing a lot of attention at Nokia World. When it hits the market later this year it will come with Windows 7 operating software and is claimed to run for 12 hours on a battery charge. It will be offered in a choice of black, white or blue casing, has an aluminium chassis, a slot for a 3G SIM card and weighs 1.2kg.
In Europe it will sell for 575 euros, the equivalent of A$985 suggesting a price of well over $1000 when and if it hits Aussie shores.
