Nokia unveils content push with music, game services (Finland)
Nokia has unveiled a push into the content services market, launching a new internet portal called Ovi, as well as music and gaming services and devices. Ovi, which means ‘door’ in Finnish, is expected to act as an online social networking forum as well as a gateway to Nokia services. It will go live in English in the fourth quarter, with additional languages starting in H1 2008. Other new content services from Nokia include the N-Gage gaming platform, where users can test and buy mobile games. The N-Gage handset application will be available from November, with companies like EA and Gameloft supplying products. The new Nokia Music Store will go live in English in the fourth quarter, with additional languages starting in H1 2008. The music store offers PC and mobile downloads for EUR 1 per track or EUR 10 per album, with a PC streaming service available for EUR 10 per month. Tracks are available in 192Kbps audio in Windows Media Audio format, with a Nokia Music PC client available from later this year. Nokia also unveiled four new mobile phones, including the flagship N81 media player and gaming device in 1 GB and 8 GB versions, which will launch from Q4.
The N81 runs on 3G and WLAN networks and includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, light-up keys and 3D multimedia menu. The basic version will sell for EUR 360, excluding subsidies and tax, and the 8 GB version will cost EUR 430. Nokia also unveiled a new version of the N95 with 8 GB internal memory. It includes GPS, WLAN and HSDPA access, 5 megapixel camera and a 2.8-inch QVGA display. It will sell for EUR 560 from Q4.
Also new on the market is the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic, a 9.9-mm thick, 71-gram handset with dedicated music keys and microSD card slot. It will sell for EUR 225 from Q4. And finally the Nokia 5610 XpressMusic is a 3G handset with 3.2 megapixel camera, offering an “edgy” design with aluminium side panels, glossy balack finish and Music Slider key. Also available from Q4, it will sell for an estimated EUR 300. Nokia has also partnered with audio manufacturers, including Altec Lansing, JBL and Philips, to offer a range of music accessories matching the XpressMusic handsets in design and functionality. The partner accessories, including headphones, docking stations and speakers, will be identifiable by “For Nokia XpressMusic Phones.”
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