Nokia Introduces Affordable Mobile Phones

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India : Nokia has shown off a range of affordable mobile phones and services which the company says are specifically desisgned for people in emerging markets.
­In addition to Nokia's lowest cost handset to date, as well as its first handset for emerging markets with an integrated digital music player, Nokia unveiled a range of mobile internet services aimed at rural customers.
Estimated retail prices of the new devices range from €25 to €90, with several models expected to begin shipping in 2008. Nokia's suite of Internet services for emerging markets will be available beginning in 2009.
"In 2002, Nokia unveiled a strategy to lower the cost of owning and operating a mobile phone and to bring the benefits of mobile telephony to people in emerging markets.
Today, we are expanding that vision by introducing a number of devices and services that aim to bring the power of the Internet to these markets as well," says Robert Andersson, Executive Vice President, Devices, Nokia. "By introducing products and services that are affordable, relevant and easy-to-use, we believe Nokia can fuel the growth of the Internet in emerging markets through mobility."
The first services Nokia will offer in emerging markets will focus on email, agriculture and education, which based on consumer feedback, present the strongest demand in emerging markets.
Mail on Ovi, which is enabled on Nokia Series 40 devices, offers the possibility to create an email account directly on the mobile phone without having to use a personal computer, giving millions of users the possibility to create their first internet identity and communicate in new ways. A trial of Mail on Ovi will launch in a few select markets by the end of November 2008.
Nokia Life Tools is a range of agriculture information and education services designed especially for rural and small town communities in emerging markets. These services use an icon-based, graphically rich user interface that comes complete with tables and which can display information simultaneously in two languages. Behind this, SMS is used to deliver the critical information to ensure that this service works wherever a mobile phone does, without the hassles of additional settings or the need for GPRS coverage. Nokia plans to launch the service in the first half of 2009 with the Nokia 2323 classic and the Nokia 2330 classic as the lead devices in India, and expand it across select countries in Asia and Africa later in 2009.
To support the range of new mobile services for emerging markets, Nokia also expanded its portfolio of affordable mobile phones, including:
The Nokia 7100 Supernova is am addition to the popular Supernova collection. Designed for style and entertainment, the colorful device is highlighted by its large, high resolution color screen, FM radio and a 1.3 megapixel camera and support for Share on Ovi, Nokia's online photo sharing service, and other photo sharing sites. The Nokia 7100 Supernova also includes support for Mail on Ovi, as well as a browser for surfing information on the Internet. The Nokia 7100 Supernova is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2008 with an estimated retail price of €75.
With dedicated music keys, a digital music player, FM radio and a standard 3.5 mm connector for headphones, the Nokia 5130 XpressMusic is Nokia's most affordable music phone to date. Equipped with an integrated 2 megapixel camera, the Nokia 5130 XpressMusic also supports image sharing through Share on Ovi, as well as the Mail on Ovi email service. The Nokia 5130 XpressMusic is expected to begin shipping in the first quarter of 2009 with an estimated retail price of €90.
Premium looks and practicality are the hallmarks of the Nokia 2320 classic, Nokia 2323 classic and Nokia 2330 classic. These affordable devices support Mail on Ovi and Nokia Life Tools. In addition, the Nokia 2323 classic offers an FM radio with recording and an Internet browser. The Nokia 2330 classic is also equipped with an integrated camera. The Nokia 2320 classic and the Nokia 2323 classic are expected to begin shipping during the second quarter of 2009 with an estimated retail price of €40. The Nokia 2330 classic is expected to begin shipping during the second quarter of 2009 with an estimated retail price of €50.
At €25, the Nokia 1202 is Nokia's lowest cost mobile device to date. Developed specifically for people in rural areas, the Nokia 1202 includes standard features like a flashlight, extended battery life, loud ringtones and a phone book for up to five users. The Nokia 1661 is Nokia's lowest cost color phone including an FM radio and a large color screen. The Nokia 1661 also supports flashlight, loud ringtones and multiple phonebooks. The Nokia 1202 is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2008. The Nokia 1661 is expected to begin shipping in the first quarter of 2009 with an estimated retail price of €30.