Nokia N81
(Credit: Nokia)Today, Nokia announced the global availability of its Nokia N81 multimedia computer, which also ships with a preview of the N-Gage gaming service. As you may or may not recall, the N81 is available in two versions--an 8GB model and one with a microSD expansion slot that can accept cards up to 4GB--and both are optimized for gaming and music. They are equipped with 3.5mm headphone jacks and dedicated game keys (when held in landscape position). And while the N-Gage service won't be available till later this year, the devices will come with playable demos of EA Sports' FIFA 07, Asphalt 3, Street Rules, and Space Impact Light. Other highlights include Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), a 2.4-inch, 16 million-color QVGA screen, an FM tuner, and side-mounted dual stereo speakers. Unfortunately, looks like the quad-band phone won't work on our AT&T's 3G network.
Now, it wasn't clear whether the global release included the United States; we're trying to confirm this with Nokia. There are sites, including Nokia's U.S. Web site, that are listing the N81 but as "coming soon." Unlocked versions of the smartphones are going for about $599 for the 8GB version and $499 for the other model.
On Sale Now: $269.99
View the latest prices for Nokia N81 (8GB, Unlocked)
Nokia N81
(Credit: Nokia)Remember back in May when we teased you with some enticing photos of the yet-to-be-confirmed Nokia N81 and Nokia N82? Well, my friends, we tease you no more. The company today officially unveiled the Nokia N81 multimedia computer, with expected availability in Q4. It's likely that the N81 will ship in certain European and Asian markets first--possibly in October--but Nokia said there shouldn't be too much of lag between those launches and the U.S. release. Thank gawd.
There will be two versions of the Nokia N81: an 8GB model and one with a microSD expansion slot that can accept cards up to 4GB. Both N81s are built for music and gaming with a 3.5mm headphone jack and dedicated game keys (when held in landscape position). The Symbian S60 device will also work with Nokia's newly launched Ovi Internet brand, where you can download songs from the Nokia Music Store and games from the N-Gage service. Music fiends should also be pleased that the N81 includes A2DP support for stereo Bluetooth, an FM tuner, side-mounted dual stereo speakers, and support for a number of file formats, including MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, and M4A. As part of the Nokia N series of multimedia computers, the N81 also has RealPlayer onboard for full-screen video playback and a 2-megapixel camera with video recording capabilities.
Built for gaming
(Credit: Nokia)The Nokia N81 ain't all about having a good time though. It's still, first and foremost, a phone with quad-band world roaming and integrated Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi (802.11b/g). The Symbian smart phone also includes e-mail support (Push, SMTP, IMAP4, POP3), Nokia Mobile search, and Nokia Maps.
From a design standpoint, the N81 is gorgeous. We had a painfully brief hands-on time with the device and the slider design is sleek and smooth. The 2.4-inch, 16 million-color QVGA screen is beautifully sharp and bright, and the alphanumeric keypad spacious. We listened to some tunes over the phone's speakers--lots of volume but we were still wanting a bit more richness and bass. Obviously, battery life will be a concern with such a feature-filled phone. Nokia couldn't give us MP3 playback battery numbers, but the N81 is rated for 4 hours of talk time (GSM) and up to 16 days of standby time. The toughest pill to swallow? The price, of course. The 8GB model will retail for $599 for an unlocked version, while the regular Nokia N81 will go for $499 unlocked. Though there weren't any carrier announcements today, it doesn't rule out such a thing in the future. Fingers crossed.
On Sale Now: $269.99
View the latest prices for Nokia N81 (8GB, Unlocked)
The new Nokia N95.
(Credit: Nokia)Nokia shot to center stage of cell phone land today by unveiling a gallery of new handsets and services at an event in London. We can't get across the pond to cover the news in person (though we did get a very short preview of the handsets last week), but we'll bring you the highlights here. Be sure to click through to read more details on each announcement. Or if you prefer pretty pictures, take a gander at our slide show.
North America finally will get its own version of the powerful Nokia N95. Though it looks just like the existing N95, it adds a few extras, such as more RAM and longer battery life. It also offers 3G support for North American networks. Welcome also to a new N95 with a whopping 8GB of internal memory.
The Nokia N81.
(Credit: Nokia)There are two new editions of the Nokia N81. Nokia showed off an 8GB model and a version that can accept microSD cards up to 4GB. Both will offer high-end features and will support Nokia's newly launched Ovi Internet brand, where you can download songs from the new Nokia Music Store and games from the company's new N-Gage service.
Speaking of which, the Nokia Music Store will offer millions of tracks from a variety of music sources. You'll be able to browse for music, buy a song directly over the air to your phone, or add a song to a wish list for a later download.
The Music Store will be available through the Ovi brand of Internet services, which is also the focal point for reviving Nokia's unsuccessful N-Gage brand. But instead of bringing us another awkward N-Gage device, Nokia is developing a new N-Gage gaming platform. You'll be able to browse through a wide selection of game titles, download free trials, and purchase games directly from Nokia. The service will also offer community portal for playing games with friends, or even strangers.
The Nokia 5610 Xpress Music.
(Credit: Nokia)Finally, Nokia also introduced two new Xpress Music devices. The 5310 and 5610 offer the nifty, high-end multimedia features you've come to expect from the Xpress music line. The 5310 has a slim candy bar design, while the 5610 is a slider phone.
All phones and services should be available beginning in the fourth quarter of this year. We don't have specific North American availability information, but we'll pass on the details as soon as they come. And you can bet that we'll have full reviews of the phones as soon as we can get our hands on them.
Nokia's new crop
(Credit: Gearfuse via Engadget Mobile)We'll get straight to the point here. Nokia has an event scheduled for tomorrow in London, and several blog sites, including Gearfuse and Unwired View, are reporting that the Finnish cell phone manufacturer will unveil five new mobiles. Among the rumored models are the Nokia N81, an 8GB Nokia N95, and several XpressMusic phones. Got your attention, didn't we? Yeah, sleep on that, as we'll have to wait till tomorrow to see if this all true or just someone's horrible idea of a practical joke.
Nokia N81 (left) and Nokia N82
(Credit: Engadget Mobile)Just when you got your hands on the Nokia N95 and the Nokia N75, it seems there's something cooler on the horizon (as usual). Images and specs have surfaced on two new Nokia N series phones: the Nokia N81 and the Nokia N82. The N81 looks to be a sleek quadband (EDGE; 2100MHz HSDPA-lovin') slider phone with 8GM internal memory, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0. It's said to be replacing the music-centric Nokia N91 and comes equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
On the other hand, the Nokia N82 seems to be going the camera route with a 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and a Xenon flash. It's also a GSM smart phone (candy-bar style) and has built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, an FM tuner, and a microSD expansion slot. No details on pricing or U.S. availability, but the phones are rumored to come out in Q4.
[Source: Ring Nokia via Engadget Mobile]
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