Finally, Nokia N97 Launching This Month

Nokia have announced that N97 will go on sale worldwide this month. No word on pricing yet for the 3.5-inch touchscreen handset, nor specific availability dates, but UK will apparently get it unlocked and SIM-free from Nokia in June 19.



SIM-free, the N97 is priced at around £500; that will be followed by a June 26th launch on the various carriers in the UK, with no word on pricing but a clear possibility of picking up the N97 free with a sufficiently expensive tariff. The N97 is already available to preorder in the US, priced at around $455 after discounts.

Your money gets you a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, S60 5th Edition OS, WiFi, GPS, HSPA and of course that 3.5-inch resistive touchscreen. However we’re also wary of the potentially low-powered CPU Nokia have fitted the N97 with; we’ll have to wait for the final model to see if that undermines the smartphone.

Official Nokia Press Release:

Nokia N97 mobile computer to begin selling worldwide in June

Espoo, Finland - The highly anticipated Nokia N97, Nokia’s flagship mobile computer, will begin selling in June in more than 75 countries. Along with a tilting 3.5″ touch display, QWERTY keyboard and a fully customizable home screen, the Nokia N97 will offer instant access to the full range of Ovi services.

“The Nokia N97 is an important step towards our vision of delivering a highly personalized Internet experience,” said Jonas Geust, Vice President and head of Nokia Nseries. “Fuelled by a multitude of music, maps, games, media and applications via Ovi, the Nokia N97 transforms the Internet into an experience that’s completely tailored to the tastes and interests of its owner.”

The Nokia N97 is Nokia’s first device to feature a personalizable home screen, which can be customized with a range of widgets which bring live information directly to the device. These widgets include key social networking destinations like Facebook and Hi5, news services like the Associated Press, Bloomberg and Reuters, as well as shopping and weather information. The Nokia N97 is the first device to ship with the Ovi Store, which offers easy access to applications, games, videos, podcasts, productivity tools, web and location-based services, and much more. Ovi Store has paid and free content from a range of global and local content providers and developers, including Paramount Pictures, Facebook and Qik, as well as a selection of Twitter applications.

Enjoy your upgrades
The beauty of this Nokia device is that taking it out of the box is just the beginning. As with any computer, people can constantly improve and refresh their Nokia N97 with new features, functions and fixes so they can do even more with the device. An exciting roadmap of new features and functions is planned to roll out in the second half of 2009.

Entertainment ensured
The Nokia N97 also has direct access to the huge catalogue of music in the Nokia Music Store. With multiple high-speed connectivity options and 32GB of storage (up to 48GB using a microSD card) it is possible to directly download and store tens of thousands of songs on the handset. And you can listen to your favourite music on the Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset BH-905, which Nokia also launched today. This headset brings crystal clear sound, eliminates background noise, and is the ideal accessory for listening to music and making calls on the Nokia N97, as well as being compatible with a diverse range of other mobile and music devices.

High-quality images and video clips at 30 frames per second (fps) can be captured using the 5 megapixel camera with integrated Carl Zeiss optics. Images can also be geo-tagged to specific locations and shared instantly with friends or uploaded online via Ovi Share, Twitter or Flickr.

About Nokia
Nokia is a pioneer in mobile telecommunications and the world’s leading maker of mobile devices. Today, we are connecting people in new and different ways - fusing advanced mobile technology with personalized services to enable people to stay close to what matters to them. We also provide comprehensive digital map information through NAVTEQ; and equipment, solutions and services for communications networks through Nokia Siemens Networks.

LG Launches GW520 and GT505 Social Networking Phones

LG has announced two new handsets, the GW520 and GT505, especially made to target the social networking, business-oriented crowd. Both handsets feature push notification of updates from various social networking sites, push email from personal accounts and Microsoft Exchange support. The GW520 is a QWERTY side slider with a 2.8-inch touchscreen, 7.2Mbps HSDPA and a 3 megapixel camera. The GT505 is a candybar with a 3-inch touchscreen, 3.6Mbps HSDPA, Wi-Fi and a 5 megapixel camera. The GT505 also comes with a 30 day trial of WisePilot for LG which offers turn by turn navigation. Both handsets are expected to be available in June 2009 with the GT505 launching on Orange while the GW520 to debut with various, yet-to-be-named carriers.



LG Official Press Release:

May. 29, 2009
LG launches two new social networking devices to its range with the LG GT505 and LG GW520

Boasting messaging features designed for effortless contact with friends and family

Berkshire, UK, 29 May 2009- LG Electronics (LG), a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, today announces the launch of the LG GW520 and LG GT505. These two new handsets enable consumers to be at the heart of their online communities anytime, anywhere, with push updates from social networking sites and both business and personal email.

Following the success of LG's feature-rich messaging device the LG KS360, these new additions boast more messaging functions that are smarter and easy-to-use. The LG GW520 and the LG GT505 are the first LG phones to offer push social networking updates allowing consumers to receive alerts from multiple social network sites as they are posted. Users now have the ease of use and functionality to update their own statuses, personal pages or photos. Both new models support push email for personal accounts and have Microsoft Exchange ActiveSyncfor business accounts.

"Mobile communications have been about more than just voice based calls for a long time, but consumers are now demanding more than just SMS and IM services. They want the kind of messaging and social networking features previously the preserve of high end handsets on a wide range of models, and that is what LG is offering. We recognise the demand for mobile devices that enable quick and easy interaction with social network sites as a growing market. LG aspires to be at the forefront of this with the launch of these great mobile phones." said Jeremy Newing, head of marketing, LG Mobile UK.

LG GW520

The LG GW520 is a mobile made for messaging be that via social networks, email or SMS and IM. It enables users to connect to their communities and grow their social life on the move.

Features of the LG GW520 include:
- 2.8" full touchscreen
- Full slide-out QWERTY keypad
- Push email via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync
- HSPDA 7.2
- 3G enabled
- WAP 2.0 browser
- 3-megapixel camera

This handset also includes LG's LiveSquare feature which enables the consumer to see those friends that you talk to most often appearing as an animated character on the homescreen. These characters enable quick and easy access to a contact at the click of a button.

LG GT505

The LG GT505 allows easy navigation using Wisepilotfor LG. This handset comes preloaded with a 30-day free trial of WisePilotfor LG, a turn-by-turn navigation solution, which offers voice instruction and a choice of 2D and 3D mapping to guide users to their destinations.

Features of the LG GT505 include:
- 3" full touchscreen
- GPS
- 30-day free trial of WisePilot
- Push email via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync
- Wi-Fi (TM)
- HSDPA 3.6
- 3G enabled
- Voice instruction
- 5-megapixel camera

The LG GW520 will be available widely across most networks in June 2009.

The LG GT505 will be available on Orange from June 2009.

-End-

*Availability of email services is dependent on the operator service package provided

*Wisepilotand the Wisepilotlogo are registered trademarks of Appello System AB. Preload of Wisepilotfor LG is dependent on the operator service package provided.


About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 84,000 people working in 115 operations including 84 subsidiaries around the world. With 2008 global sales of $44.7 billion, LG comprises of five business units - Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning and Business Solutions. LG is one of the world's leading producers of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both A Global Partner of Formula 1(TM) and A Technology Partner of Formula 1(TM). As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event.

The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a leading global mobile communications and information company. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design capabilities, LG creates handsets that provide an optimized mobile experience to customers around the world. LG is pursuing convergence technology and mobile computing products, while continuing its leadership role in mobile communication with stylish designs and smart technology. For more information, please visit www.lge.com.

Sony Ericsson Aino with Sony Remote Play and 8.1MP camera

Sony Ericsson announced earlier three new phones – Yari, Satio and Aino – that are gorgeous and easy on the eye and boast some powerful multimedia features. The SE Aino is basically a slender phone with a slider keypad and a 3-inch touchscreen display and interface. Aino will have a whopping 8.1 megapixel camera and will offer a snap-on speaker stand for audio aficionados.



A new amazing feature from Aino is the Sony Remote Play. Aino owners will be able to control their PlayStation 3 remotely from anywhere in the world they have a network connection. With a PlayTV tuner, they’ll also be able to watch, pause and record live TV from free-to-air digital TV channels.

Those without a PS3 aren’t left behind; Sony Ericsson have also announced Media Home, a sync app which pulls media data from a PC to the Aino via WiFi or when docked in the included recharging cradle. As for the wireless remote, that has sound-sensitive LEDs. The Sony Ericsson Aino will hit the market in Q4, price to be announced.

Here are more Aino pictures to drool at.








Official Sony Press Release:

Sound and vision set free with the Sony Ericsson Aino

Keep up to date with the latest videos and music on Aino. Media Go™ helps you transfer, play and organise all your music, photos, videos and podcasts from your PC simply and effortlessly to enjoy directly on Aino via Wi-Fi™. No more wires, no more searching – always the latest fun.

London, UK – May 28, 2009 – Sony Ericsson today showcases Aino. Get the best of two worlds with the keypad combined with an intuitive touch UI in media mode. An intuitive media browser gives users a clear overview and one touch direct access to their content.

Control your PLAYSTATION®3 and access its media content on your Aino anywhere, anytime using Remote Play with PLAYSTATION®3. Remote Play with PLAYSTATION®3, initially developed for PSP, enables users to control and access media content on PLAYSTATION®3 from their phone. This can be done via a local network between PLAYSTATION®3 and Aino in your home or via the internet from anywhere in the world. For TV lovers in Italy, France, Spain, Germany and in the UK users can also enjoy the PlayTV™ service on PLAYSTATION®3 via the Aino. Watch, pause and record live TV from a huge range of free channels via Aino on the go.

Aino also introduces Media Home, an application that pulls media content from Media Go™ on your PC over Wi-Fi™ to your phone automatically. Users just insert their Aino into its charging stand and it automatically synchronizes with all the latest media content on their PC. You are always ready to go with the latest content on your phone.

“Sony Ericsson has established itself as THE Communication Entertainment brand and Aino highlights our commitment to bringing the latest communication technology to the market in fun and innovative ways for consumers to enjoy,” said Alexandre Cardon, Market Business Manager at Sony Ericsson. “Media Home and Remote Play with PLAYSTATION®3 are key steps in broadening the entertainment experiences users can enjoy on their Sony Ericsson phone and gives a taste of our vision of the future.”

Watch movies on the crystal clear 3 inch screen and listen to music in superb quality and with increased freedom - thanks to the stylish Wireless Stereo Headphone MH100 and matching Charging Stand EC100 included with Aino. This powerful phone offers a full range of exciting features to support the entertainment experiences on the phones such as; an 8.1 megapixel camera, Photo flash and Clear audio experience.

Aino
Sound and vision set free

The best of both worlds: traditional keypad and touch UI in media mode
Media Home and Media Go™ - simple to take your content with you
Remote Play with PLAYSTATION®3 – control and access your PLAYSTATION®3 media content from your mobile phone
3 inch 16 million colour screen – surf the web in widescreen
Clear audio experience – listen to music in superb quality
Design matched Wireless Stereo Headphone MH100 and Charging Stand EC100
Aino supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSPA 850/1900/2100. Aino will be available in selected markets from early Q4 in the colours Obsidian Black and Luminous White.

The Sony Ericsson Aino at a glance

Camera

8.1 megapixel camera
Up to 16x digital zoom
Photo fix
Photo flash
Video recording
Auto focus
Face detection
Image and video stabilizer
BestPic™
Geo tagging
Photo feeds
Photo light
Red-eye reduction
Send to web
Smart contrast
Touch focus
Music

Album art
Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
Clear Bass
Clear Stereo
Touchscreen media player
Music tones (MP3/AAC)
PlayNow™
SensMe™
Stereo speakers
Web

Access NetFront™ Web browser
Bookmarks
Google™ search (from standby)
Web feeds
Communication

Speakerphone
Polyphonic ringtones
Vibrating alert
Video calling (main camera)
Messaging

Conversations
Email
Picture messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Sound recorder
Text messaging (SMS)
Instant messaging
Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync™
Design

Auto rotate
Picture wallpaper
Wallpaper animation
Entertainment

Facebook
3D games
FM radio with RDS
Java
Motion gaming
Remote Play for PLAYSTATION®3
Tracker
Video streaming
Video viewing
Walk mate
YouTube™
Connectivity

A-GPS
Bluetooth™ technology
DLNA Certified™
Google Maps™
Modem
PictBridge
Synchronisation
USB mass storage
USB support
Wi-Fi™
Organizer

Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Flight mode
Notes
Phone book
Stopwatch
Tasks
Timer
Accessories

In-Box:

Aino
Battery
Battery charger
SanDisk microSD™ 8GB
Colour-matched Wireless Stereo Headphone MH100
Design-matched Charging Stand EC100
User guide
Optional:

Wireless Stereo Speakers MBS-400
Snap-on Speaker Stand MS410
Digital Photo Frame IDP-100
Facts and Figures

Size: 104 x 50×15.5 mm
Weight: 134 grams
Colours: Obsidian Black, Luminous White
Main screen: 16,777,216 True Colour TFT
Resolution: 240 x 432 pixels
Size: 3 inches
Phone memory: Up to 55MB
Memory card support: SanDisk microSD™
Talk time GSM: Up to 13 hrs
Standby time GSM: Up to 380 hrs
Talk time UMTS: Up to 4.5 hours
Standby time UMTS: Up to 367 hours
Video talk time: Up to 1 hour 40 mins
Music listening time: Up to 31 hours
Availability and versions
Networks:

Aino

GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS/HSPA 850/900/2100
Available in selected markets from early Q4 2009.

Legal

1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant.

2) Talk and standby times are affected by network preferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. games. Kit contents and color options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.

© Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2009.