Nokia (NYSE: NOK) announced today that the (recently further adjusted for music) Nokia N73, a 3G (WCDMA) multimedia computer with the features of a digital camera, has been selected for Softbank (OTCPK: SFTBF) Mobile Corp.’s 3G handset line-up. The Nokia N73 belongs to the Nokia Nseries family, and is the second model (N71 was the first) in the series to be released in Japan. This device is scheduled for release by Softbank Mobile from mid December in 2006, under the name of Nokia N73 (SoftBank 705NK).

The Nokia N73 (SoftBank 705NK) is the first mobile device in Japan to feature 3.2 megapixel camera with world-leading manufacturer Carl Zeiss optics. The device has a sliding lens cover on the back and can be switched into camera mode simply by sliding the cover; therefore, users can take photos easily, just by holding the handset sideways, like a digital camera, and pressing the dedicated shutter button intuitively. In addition, users can e-mail pictures straight from the camera display, and connect directly to a home printer that supports PictBridge, this handset makes it easy to share favorite creative shots with favorite people.

More information is available at the Nokia Japan and Vodafone Japan sites.

Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) Developer World announced the release of a new, best practice framework for improving application quality on Java Platform Micro Edition (Java ME). Sony Ericsson Mobile JUnit 1.0 for Java ME Connected-Limited-Device-Configuration (CLDC) phones offers professional wireless developers easy-to-use, automated testing of mobile applications. The announcement underscores the commitment of Sony Ericsson Developer World to help developers achieve business success by providing assistance throughout the entire development and go-to-market process for commercial applications. Read the full article »

Epocware today announced two new games for Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) smartphones – Another Ball and Can’t Stop Solitaires Collection are absolutely different but power of both games’ thrilling action is equal. Read the full article »

Just after the three spiced-up NSeries smartphones (multimedia computers), Nokia (NYSE: NOK) today uneiled another music-dedicated smartphone. Unveiled was the Nokia 3250 XpressMusic, which refreshes the bestselling Nokia 3250 with an updated look and feel. Still featuring the unique and well-received “twist” design, the Nokia 3250 XpressMusic has doubled the music capacity of the original, holding up to 1500 tracks (supports microSD cards up to 2GB) and is expected to retail for around 400 EUR, before taxes and subsidies.

Beside the new 3250, Nokia also unveiled two feature music phone models – 5200 and 5300 XpressMusic. After acquiring Loudeye, Nokia keeps investing heavily in mobile music…

Phone pictures

Yesterday… What a day it was. Nokia (NYSE: NOK) presented two completely new phones, three new versions of an existing ones, plus a new service (Music Recommenders) which will be “governed” by David Bowie. Let’s start…

The old-new music phones
Nokia N70, N73 and N91 got revamped and boosted with additional functionality and memory. Yes, it’s all about music. Plus they look much better now. I’m not sure that the new N70 is now powered by the S60 3rd edition platform, but the bet on the award-winning N70 is certainly a solid one.

Big star supports Nokia’s music ambitions
Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) may have U2, but Nokia just got David Bowie on their side. Partnering with the famous music star will certainly be beneficial for both parties – Nokia will reach the real music fans which surround the whole symbol of David Bowie, and Bowie will get satisfaction of being a part of the whole new world and well… money.

Getting smaller
Nokia N75 brought hope that Nokia NSeries “multimedia computers” can actually be not-that-large devices. Personally, I don’t have anything against the size of the Nokia’s smartphones, but many people find that annoying.

The all-in-one device
The unveiling of the new all-in-one multimedia computer, Nokia N95, made many people, including the truly yours, think “what’s next?”. Possibly a further integration and use of the motion sensor and WiMAX!?
Some time ago, I’ve ranted about the search for a perfect device. Are we there now? Well… that’s about it, as far as I can tell. What I would like to see next is the Nokia E61 with solid camera and a GPS. However, boundaries are crossed and the stage is set for the new level market “game”.

I conclude with a thought that it will be interesting to watch the smartphone wars, as I’m certain the consumers will win at the end.

Forty leading independent music stores from around the world are working with Nokia (NYSE: NOK) to create unique and customizable music recommendations. Music Recommenders brings together great new music across continents and genres, keeping music enthusiasts in touch with the latest tracks as well as helping them discover new artists.

Read the full article »

Today, Nokia (NYSE: NOK) also unveiled music editions of three Nokia Nseries multimedia computers, the Nokia N70 and N73 Music Edition and Nokia N91 8GB. The Nokia Nseries Music Range combines sleek black design with heightened mobile music experiences appealing to the music enthusiast in everyone. Key benefits include dedicated music access keys, Nokia PC Suite and new software for easy synchronization and music management, and additional storage capacity – with an 8GB hard drive, the Nokia N91 8GB is a fully-loaded music machine!

New Nokia N70 Music Edition, Nokia N73 Music Edition and Nokia N91 8GB have more memory for all those must-have songs, with up to 1GB, 2GB and 8GB respectively. With support for the two most popular music formats worldwide, MP3 and AAC, no song should go unheard. For enhanced sound quality you can use a compatible high quality headphone with the standard 3.5mm stereo headset plug. Read the full article »

Nokia today introduced the Nokia (NYSE: NOK) N95, an all-in-one multimedia computer with a pioneering 2-way slide concept, integrated GPS functionality, a 5 megapixel camera and support for high-speed mobile networks, making it easier to watch and record videos, listen to songs, take high-quality photos, browse the internet, or catch up on email while on the move.

The mentioned innovative 2-way slide concept makes it easy to switch between different modes, going from reading maps to watching a video with a simple slide. A numeric keypad slides out from one end of the device while dedicated media keys slide out from the opposite direction, converting the display into full screen landscape mode. With powerful 3D graphics, the Nokia N95 has a stunning user interface that makes it intuitive to find the features and services you want. Read the full article »

Nokia today introduced the Nokia (NYSE: NOK) N75, its smallest multimedia computer, offering digital music playback, quality photography, telephony and rich internet communication. The Nokia N75 provides a complete Symbian S60 multimedia experience in a thin and elegant clamshell, while utilizing Nokia’s renowned ease of use. Read the full article »

After announcing the plans in Q2 2006, Woize International Ltd. confirmed finalization of SIP based development of the Woize BETA client for Nokia (NYSE: NOK) phones with Symbian OS 9.1, ready for launch in Q4 2006.

By launching a SIP based Woize client for Nokia phones with Symbian OS version 9.1, Woize creates an opportunity for worldwide advanced Nokia users to benefit from Woize services, reaching further into the market of free mobile phone calls enabled over WiFi networks. Read the full article »