Nokia updates release schedule for delayed N-Series and E-Series smartphones

Nokia unveiled that the delay in shipping of six of its latest N-Series and E-Series smartphones is due to some software issues. The manufacturer, however, did not give any details regarding the nature of the problems. All the six handsets - N91, N71, N80, E60, E61 and E71 – were expected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2006. They missed this deadline, but Nokia claims that all of them are set to start shipping in the near future.

The first to be released is the N91 music phone that supports 4GB HDD drive, capable of storing up to 3000 songs. It is expected some time this week. N71 and N80 are to follow in a few weeks' time. The business-orientated E60, E61 and E71 models are still undergoing software test and the company didn't commit to a definite release time-frame, but admitted that they'll give priority to E61, which has a full keyboard and is aimed at competing the Blackberry and the Motorola Q smartphone.

Source: Reuters