Nokia unveils Nokia 2600 classic

Nokia unveiled the Nokia 2600 classic, a mobile handset which allows consumers to customize their phone with colorful, fully changeable Xpress-on covers and MP3 ring tones. The cheerful Nokia 2600 classic also features a number of entertainment features, including an FM radio and a VGA camera.

“While cost sensitivity is an important element in creating mobile devices for emerging markets, the overwhelming feedback we receive from consumers in these markets is that they want their mobile device to complement their personality and offer a range of colors and entertainment features,” says William Hamilton-Whyte, general manager of Nokia Philippines. “The Nokia 2600 classic offers a colorful sense of flair and a robust set of features at an exceptionally accessible price. As with all Nokia devices, it is backed by a brand that stands for quality and durability.”

According to a recent Nokia survey of consumers in emerging markets, a new trend appears to be emerging: phone sharing. More than 50 percent of respondents in India, Pakistan and nearly 30 percent in Vietnam indicate that they share, or would share, their mobile phone with family or friends – a figure which contrasts consumer behavior in more mature markets.

“Phone sharing is a logical trend – more and more families are purchasing a mobile phone for the entire family to use, not just the head of the household. In addition, digital cameras are quickly becoming more popular in these markets, and as such taking and sharing digital images is becoming more common,” adds Hamilton-Whyte. “In response, Nokia has developed a number of innovative features like the multiple phonebook to support phone sharing, and we have added technologies like Bluetooth to some models to make transferring images and ringtones easy and affordable.”