Nokia's 2009 roadmap promises more touchscreens
Published: 12 November, 2008
READ MORE: Nokia
A hat trick of touchscreen devices and an 8-megapixel cameraphone are highlights of Nokia's roadmap for 2009, according to a leaked internal document, which details more than 30 handsets that would probably be launched at the Mobile World Congress event in February next year and shipped at various points through 2009. And if the schedule remains on track, it seems that Nokia may finally have a breakthrough at AT&T, which carries very few Nokia phones, with an AT&T-specific model, codenamed Jig, mentioned on the list.
Some of the devices on the roadmap are already fully developed, though not yet launched. These include a low cost model for the E Series enterprise line of Qwerty phones, the E63. Two of the touchscreen devices are also close to completion, though they are likely to be unveiled officially at the MWC show, Nokia's traditional forum to show off its wares for the coming year.
The first of the touchscreens is codenamed IP08, and is described as a widescreen device with a 'Naviscroll' interface, a 5-megapixel camera, Assisted GPS and Wi-Fi. A second model, codenamed Ivalo, looks set to be the new flagship for the Xpress music/video optimized range, with a large 3.5-inch touchscreen and 32Gb of built-in flash memory.
The final touchscreen model is almost finished internally and is codenamed Eitri. It will also have a 3.5-inch screen, plus 8Gb of storage and a new pressure-sensitive, haptic feedback control system as well as a compass for finding the phone's orientation independently of GPS. It is likely to ship in fall of 2009. It will be pitched head-to-head against the RIM BlackBerry Storm and other high end models, and will offer many of the tablet-style functionality of the Nokia N810, but with cellular connections as well as Wi-Fi and/or WiMAX.
Other notable new phones are rumoured to be the E75 slider and an 8-megapixel 'half-Qwerty' model, called Corolla.
Meanwhile, the Jig has been created for AT&T, and demonstrates a significant increase in Nokia's willingness to build phones that have heavy operator branding, and strong operator input. The Jig would be based on the hardware design of the Series 60-based 6650, which started shipping at AT&T this week, priced at $70 with a two-year contract and mail-in rebate. It replaces the N75, but the Jig will be a more significant departure - it will support HSPA, but will also include various design features contributed by AT&T, and dual Series 60 and AT&T branding.
The full leaked roadmap can be seen on Engadget at http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/11/10/the-better-part-of-nokias-smartphone-roadmap-goes-on-display/
More NOKIA News
More HANDSET News
More LTE News
COMMENTS
Carrier Broadband Performance: Africa & Middle East
Carriers are using mobile broadband as their weapon of choice in the fight against the commoditization of voice and falling ARPU. This...
Voice over LTE: Market Analysis and Forecasts
VoLTE offer unique advantages in lowering a carrier's voice infrastructure economics and promises to improve voice quality, device...
Satellite Phones: Will Dual Mode Help the Phoenix Rise from the Ashes?
Satellite phones have followed an arduous path since their much-hyped launch more than a decade ago. The hype was followed by an e...
