Nokia Corp. today launched two new phones and acquired technology from a former Motorola Inc. subsidiary.
Nokia announced the Nokia 9300 smart phone.
The slim device opens to reveal a full keyboard and color screen. Features include one-touch access to personal information and office applications via eight dedicated function buttons on the keyboard. The device also includes a five-way joystick for easy navigation.
“The Nokia 9300 will appeal to a wide range of professionals who want powerful functionality from a data-enabled device without compromising the look, comfort, simplicity and usability of a standard mobile phone,” said Niklas Savander, senior vice president of Nokia’s business device unit.
The tri-mode phone supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks. Five-party conference calling, an integrated speakerphone, and multiple e-mail clients, with BlackBerry Connect support are also included. The phone also has infrared and Bluetooth capabilities. The device is scheduled to become available in the first quarter of 2005.
Nokia separately announced the new Nokia Car Handset (HSU-4) for users of the Nokia 610 Car Kit Phone. With the handset, users can route calls through the conventional handset rather than through a hands-free speakerphone, enabling private conversations.
The handset also has four function keys and the Nokia Navi Wheel for navigating the functions, including contact details, speed dialing, and the menu of the Nokia 610 Car Kit Phone.
“The handset is a particularly sensible option for people who make frequent phone calls from their vehicle. It is easy to install, convenient to use, and adds a level of privacy not previously possible,” said Uwe Pertz, general manager of consumer products for Nokia Smart Traffic Products.
Nokia also said it will acquire Metrowerks Corp.’s Symbian operating system software.
The Finnish handset manufacturer has agreed to acquire a portfolio of application development tools based on Symbian, including Metrowerks’ flagship product, CodeWarrior Integrated Development Environment, and intends to license core development tool technologies from Metrowerks. Nokia hopes to take on about two dozen Metrowerks employees to work out of a new Nokia office in Austin, where Metrowerks is headquartered.
Metrowerks is an independent subsidiary of Freescale Semiconductor Inc., which recently spun off from Motorola Inc.
“This agreement illustrates Nokia’s commitment to Symbian as the best operating system for advanced mobile devices, as well as our support of Symbian as the leading mobile platform for device creation and application development,” said Pertti Korhonen, Nokia’s chief technological officer. “The transaction will enable Nokia to provide developers with a comprehensive wireless tools portfolio, helping them to grow their mobile application revenues.”
