Nokia World 2007 - Live Report

Nokia N82

During the expo we had the chance to preview the new 5 megapixel Nokia N82. The phone is the second 5 megapixel device in the Nokia line after the N95 (and its variants), and the first one with Xenon flash. It is perceived that Xenon flash offers more stand-alone camera like performance in low light, which is not always the case as we saw during our Samsung G800 testing. It was also equipped with Xenon flash, but actually performed worse compared to the old N95 with LED flash. Still, knowing Nokia we are almost certain that N82’s flash performance will be superb.


Everything else we came to expect from N95 (except for the large screen) is available in the N82 – A-GPS, Wi-Fi and stereo-speakers.



If you are curious why the device was not numbered like for example N96, the answer is – because currently even though it has almost all features imaginable, Nokia still considers is more mid-range in the N-series, and that’s why it is numbered as N8x. The scoop from Nokia is to expect VERY VERY exciting news during CES and 3GSM Expos (N96?)!


Nokia Arte Series

Nokia is continuing to milk their high-gloss metal cash cow called the 8800 series. Originally launched in 2005, upgraded in 2006 with the Sirocco edition, the 2007 version is called Arte and Arte Sapphire. The new device has obviously upgraded specs (even though they are not so important for this class of devices) and now has QVGA display, 3.2 mega-pixel camera and even 3G (for use in EU only). The Arte is all black, while the Sapphire is brown with real sapphire stone put in the middle of the d-pad and real leather back panel and front accents. The build quality and overall impression from the device is just superb! One of the main complain about the Sirocco was the short battery life. The battery capacity has been increased with 30% in the Arte version, and according to the specs will allow up to 300 hours stand-by times and up to 3h talk time.

An interesting scoop we heard is about 3rd Arte version, this time for the US market. The device will feature carbon –fiber case and will be quad-band with slightly upgraded specs. The preliminary launch is set for sometime in Q3 of 2008.


The sales package of the new 8800 Arte contains very elegant charging station, BH-803 Bluetooth headset with DSP for noise and echo minimization and something that we really loved – touch sensitive volume controls and pick-up by tapping function! The new leather pouch features a strap which when pulled, pushes the phone out!


Nokia and the Environment

Even though the topic of environmental protection and preservation is not the main topic of our website, we feel it is crucial for everyone to do whatever possible to help. Our power is in the form of information, so we let you know what Nokia tries to do about the Environment.

We are not sure if you noticed, but recently there has been a trend among manufacturers to shrink the packaging of new mobile phones. Some people might oppose this, as from their point of view paying XX dollars for top of the line phone and all you get is a meager tiny box. Actually using smaller product packaging allows companies to save millions (in case with Nokia 100 million euros in from 2006 until now) and hopefully saves the environment as fewer resources are needed for creating the box and fewer trucks are needed to distribute the devices, thus less fuel is burned and so on. In addition, Nokia is trying to increase the amount of recycled content in their boxes from the current 30% to 60% - kudo to Nokia.

Announced during the show was a new charger for Nokia devices, which when left plugged in a live outlet, uses up to 94% less energy than its Energy Star requirements. The charger can be distinguished from the regular ones by its white Velcro and white ring around the plug.

Lastly, an eco-friendly version of the 3110 Classic was announced. Part of the new 3110 Evolve covers are made of bio-material made from plants and not oil like the regular covers.




Accessories:

Two new wired headphones were announced during the event. They are designed for music but can also be used as headset for calls. They are characterized with volume and call managing control on the cable, as well as standard 3.5mm stereo jack connector.

The Nokia WH-700 has in-ear design with three different sizes of ear cups, for adjustment, while the Nokia WH-600 has on-the-year design with headband.


Both headsets are expected to be available globally in January 2008. The Nokia Stereo Headset WH-700 will cost $73 (50 EUR) , while the WH-600 will be $95 (65 EUR), without taxes.