News

Nokia introduces 4 low-cost phones for emerging markets

By Michael Hatamoto | Published April 2, 2008, 12:38 PM

During the Growing Together 2008 conference in Johannesburg, Nokia introduced four upcoming mobile handsets aimed specifically at users in emerging markets who may be ready to replace their first phone.

Mobile phones quickly are becoming the backbone of emerging markets, with many citizens of developing nations electing to use the devices rather than get a wired land line. Internet access is often expensive where available, meaning cell phones become the primary method of communication.

Research done by Strategy Analytics indicates Nokia has a 67 percent market share in Africa and the Middle East, according to figures cited by the company.

On the high end, the new Nokia 5000 can be used both as a regular phone and a business tool, coming equipped with a 1.3-megapixel camera, FM radio, e-mail support, Nokia Xpress Audio Messaging, Bluetooth and GPRS connectivity. The phone is slated launch during the second quarter this year for around $140 USD.

Nokia's 2680 is the first slider phone for emerging markets, and has a built-in camera. It is expected to launch in the third quarter this year for around $117 USD.

The Nokia 7070 Prism, meanwhile, has a folding clam-shell design and offers easily customizeable content, such as themes and wallpapers, along with the ability to download "MP3-grade" ringtones. The Prism does not, however, feature a camera phone. It should launch in the third quarter for around $78 USD.

Lastly, Nokia will begin shipping this quarter the Nokia 1680 Classic, the company's cheapest camera phone, which offers video recording along with the basic functionality of a phone. Like the Prism, the 1680 Classic is priced at $78 USD.

Also during the event in South Africa, Nokia announced it has teamed with Webmail International to introduce a new service, Webmobile, a mobile e-mail service for users in South Africa. Phones equipped with the technology will launch in the second quarter.

Nokia isn't the only player in the mobile phone industry that is heavily banking on the success of the emerging markets. On the software side, Sun Microsystems is pushing for its Java technology -- already in use by more than 1.2 billion phones -- as the ideal platform for citizens to access online banking, instant messaging, and other services.

Nokia 5000Nokia Prism

Comments

View comments by with a score of at least

the artist
Apr 2, 2008 - 4:09 PM

the Nokia 5000 looks fresh but the theme is quite ugly.

In fact, that mixture of shiny black, with those white and green look quite weird!

Score: 0

|
Post Reply

Report: Microsoft to randomize Europe's browser screen choices

The fact that "A" is for "Apple" was apparently at the heart of browser vendor objections to Microsoft's alternative to listing IE first.

Acer eclipses Dell for #2 spot in global PC shipments, says iSuppli data

It literally does look like a 360-degree turnaround in Dell's fortunes, as the bells of bad tidings now toll solely for Dell.

Microsoft, don't hang up on Windows Mobile, but do call for help

Only a Manhattan Project can save Microsoft's phone strategy now.

See ya later, WinMo: Microsoft's mobile strategy needs a reboot

Carmi Levy | Wide Angle Zoom: Hands up if you're considering upgrading to a Windows phone for the holidays...Anybody?

Playing catch-up in 2010: Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, and Symbian

Microsoft, RIM, and Nokia are each working on improved mobile operating systems. But could these efforts add up to too little, too late?

Will Nokia's plans further alienate American consumers?

A look at Nokia's plans for the coming years does little to shine up the company's increasingly dull image.

Bing bonked by service outage Thursday, Microsoft configured the wrong server

It's always nice to have a backup, but it's even nicer to remember which one is the backup. That's the lesson Bing's admins learned yesterday evening.

Survey reveals there are more women then men, including on social networks

If you think you can market your products and services online as though you're selling car batteries in the middle of halftime, think again. And again.

Android team updates 'Donut' and 'Eclair' SDKs

The Android SDK includes components which optimize app development for each version of the mobile operating system. Today, the 1.6 and 2.0 components got updates.

The Black Screen Syndrome, or, Tech news in search of the apocalypse

Scott Fulton On Point: This is a story about something that should not have been a story, about something that at one time was a story.

Online advertising evolves away from display, toward interactive software

Marketing departments and agencies are increasingly establishing positions for "creative technologists" who can steer designers and developers toward platforms that enable direct connections with consumers.