Yesterday saw Nokia launch 3 new devices for consumers around the world. These devices were in the newly launched ‘C’ series and the successful ‘E’ series. These devices are clearly built around messaging, social networking and IM solutions. In fact they are at the heart of these devices. This was clearly conveyed by the theme – Everyone Connect.
First up is the the C3, which the first S40 based QWERTY device featuring a 1-click access to email and chat through Nokia Messaging. This device is expected to be available in such young colours as hot pink, slate grey and golden white. Equipped with 2.4” screen and a 2MP camera with a large 1320mAh battery and WiFi, you’d expect this to be a slightly expensive device. Well I hate to break it to you, it is expected to cost only 80 Euros (before taxes and subsidies). Yes that will make it the cheapest phone with WiFi. And with 16GB Micro SD card support, it will easily house all your media.
This phone is clearly going to be the volume generator for Nokia.
With the launch of the C3, Nokia has rewritten the rules of the game. at an approx price of Rs.6000, the C3 is expected to be one of the the most feature rich devices. Samsung and LG are sure to follow and introduce devices but it will be a tough task for them to emulate Nokia’s announcement and their potential success with this device.
In fact this device manages to make even the BlackBerry 8520 look like an expensive proposition. Clearly Nokia is gunning at the 8520 and below segment by offering a product that is not only more friendly and cheap but also more good looking and young.
I certainly have a lot of expectations from this device.
Below is a video of the new launched C3.
Next up is the C6 – C6 is the first S60 5th edition device from Nokia. A stripped down version of N97mini, the C6 also features a QWERTY keypad but is a side slide out with a 3.2inch WVGA screen (640 x 360). This device features WiFi, Integrated A-GPS, 5MP camera, 200MB internal memory with Micro SD card support up to 16GB.
The C6 will retail at approx 220 Euros, making it a very affordable device to have. Again rewriting the rules in that segment. With each device, Nokia has ensured that it causes maximum damage to the line up of its competitors.
The C6 will be available in black and white by the 2nd quarter of the new financial year. With this device, Nokia will be looking to reclaim lost ground due to Samsung’s successful Corby line up.
Last but not the least is the E5. This device is the spiritual successor to the successful E63. The E5 looks to be filling in the shoes of E63 with a specs list that makes the E63 it’s grandfather. on board the E5 is WiFi, HSDPA and HSUPA, GPS and a 5MP fixed focus camera. The latter two being two major upgrades. With 250MB internal memory and support for a 32GB Micro SD, the S60 device will have all the features it’s bigger brother E72 has and more. So not only will this device be a much more slimmer and youthful device it will also be a capable work phone. The E5 will be available in 5 colours – Carbon black, chalk white, sky blue, copper brown, silver grey.
The E5 looks like a very balanced device in terms of the software employed and the design as well. It is sure to strike a chord with a lot of people, especially when it is expected to cost only 180 Euros (before subsidies and taxes). This translates into roughly Rs.11000-12000 in India. The Blackberries and Samsungs better make way for the new king.
The E5 is all set to heat up the market in the 3rd quarter and make it uncomfortable for many of the existing players to push their devices through to the consumers.
Here is are two video of the E5 – one is the intro and the second is a demo of the messaging works on the E5. Enjoy!
Messaging on the E5:
These three new device don’t bring anything new to the table, but that is what us techies will say. I personally feel that these devices are exactly what is needed. These devices are focused at one thing – making your communication simpler and easier. These devices are meant for people who want to be able to stay in touch with their family and friends through the many layers of communication. It is a device for the average Joe. as my friend Rita said “…it is democratization of QWERTY, social networking and messaging…”. I couldn’t agree more. These devices signify technology being available to the masses.
Finally – we hear and see signs of the giant waking up from its deep slumber.
In case you want to see these devices, here a gallery full of pictures –
This goes out as my final post on this blog. It has been an amazing two years running this blog. I learned a lot, made mistakes, met and made friends with a whole hots of other people.
Aditya Singhvi's Phones 