Nokia unveils e-mail-capable, entry-level mobile phones

JAKARTA, Indonesia — In its efforts to bridge the digital divide, Nokia early this week unveiled at the posh Hotel Mulia in this Indonesian capital a range of affordable mobile phones and innovative new services targeted at consumers in emerging markets.

In addition to Nokia’s cheapest handset to date, as well as its first low-end handset with an integrated digital music player, Nokia launched a range of services that leverage the power of the Internet.

Estimated retail prices of the new devices range from about P1,600 to P5,700, with several models expected to begin shipping in 2009. These prices will vary as taxes are applied.

Nokia’s suite of Internet services for emerging markets will be available beginning 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,” said Paula Laine, Nokia vice president for category management, entry category.

“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,” she said.

“The mobile device and the Internet are a powerful combination in connecting people with each other, accessing information, news, entertainment and sharing. 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,” Laine added.

The first services Nokia will offer in emerging markets will focus on e-mail, agriculture and education, which, based on consumer feedback, present the strongest demand in emerging markets.

Key to this e-mail capability is what Nokia calls Mail on Ovi, a service which is enabled on Nokia Series 40-equipped models. Mail on Ovi enables users to create an e-mail account directly on the mobile phone without having to use a personal computer.

This gives millions of users the possibility to create their first Internet identity and communicate in new ways.

Mail on Ovi is easy to set up and use for immediate e-mail access from a mobile phone. A trial of Mail on Ovi will be launched in a few select markets by the end of this month.

The global rollout of Mail on Ovi will be available on all currently shipping Nokia Series 40 devices by the end of this year.

Nokia Life Tools, on the other hand, is a range of innovative agriculture information and education services designed especially for rural and small town communities in emerging markets.

Nokia Life Tools helps overcome information constraints and provides farmers and students with timely and relevant information.

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 rich interface, the universally available SMS technology 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.

On the hardware side, Nokia unveiled six new handsets that spanned a range of features, styles and price points.

First was the Nokia 7100 Supernova, a stylish 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, 1.3-megapixel camera and support for Share on Ovi, Nokia’s online photo sharing service.

The Nokia 7100 Supernova will also include support for Mail on Ovi, as well as a browser for surfing information on the Internet. It is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter with an estimated retail price of about P4,800.

With dedicated music keys, a digital music player, FM radio and a standard 3.5 mm connector for headphones, the 5130 XpressMusic is Nokia’s most affordable music phone to date.

Equipped with a two-megapixel camera, the Nokia 5130 XpressMusic also supports image sharing through Share on Ovi, as well as the Mail on Ovi e-mail service. It is expected to begin shipping in the first quarter of 2009 with an estimated retail price of P5,700.

Premium looks and practicality are combined in the Nokia 2323 classic and Nokia 2330 classic. These affordable devices also support Mail on Ovi and Nokia Life Tools.

In addition, they offer an FM radio with recording and an Internet browser. The Nokia 2330 classic is also equipped with an integrated camera.

The Nokia 2323 classic and 2330 classic are expected to begin shipping during the second quarter of 2009 with estimated retail prices of P2,850 and P3,200, respectively.

Last but not the least, the Nokia 1202 and Nokia 1661 offer outstanding value. At only about P1,600, the 1202 is Nokia’s cheapest 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. It is expected to begin shipping in the first quarter of 2009.

The Nokia 1661 is Nokia’s cheapest color-screen phone and features an FM radio and a large display. It boasts a flashlight, loud ringtones and multiple phonebooks. It is expected to begin shipping in the first quarter of 2009 with an estimated retail price of P1,900.