Nokia claims it is taking mobile phone messaging into a new era with a phone unveiled in Barcelona earlier this week.
Due for launch in late spring 2002, the 7650 is the company's first model to offer multimedia messaging. This enhanced version of SMS lets users send text, audio or images to other suitably equipped phones, or to PCs via email.
Low resolution (176x208 pixel) images are created by the phone's built-in digital camera and then displayed on its large colour screen. They can be sent over the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) mobile phone network with most images taking less than 30 seconds to reach their destination. Nokia estimates they will cost around 60p each per image to send.
Images that are sent to non-multimedia messaging phones are stored on a server for the recipient to access at a later date via their PC. The phone can store at least 40 images.
Jorma Ollila, Nokia's chairman and chief executive, described the phone and its multimedia messaging system as the start of the shift in mobiles from "hear what I say" to "see what I mean" devices. Nokia promises that half of next year's phones will also have multimedia messaging facilities, and that the feature will be standard across its range by mid 2003.
The phone, which uses the Symbian operating system and features Mobile Information Device Profile Java support, also features voice dialling facilities, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a selection of games. It is expected to retail for £300-£350.
Nokia also unveiled a new phone targeted at the business market. The 6510, which will go on sale early next year for around £200, is smaller and lighter than many previous Nokia models. It is GPRS compatible, features voice dialling and command, and a built-in FM radio.
Completing the range is the 5210 - a small mobile that Nokia hopes will appeal to people with an active lifestyle. It features a durable shell to protect the phone against dust and water splashes and comes with a built-in stopwatch, thermometer and a Wap (wireless application protocol) browser. Nokia hopes it will reach the market early next year for around £200.
The company also underlined its commitment to the Bluetooth format with a wireless headset, an in-car kit and a PC card. All three should appear early next year.
