We kin do better
No sooner are we introduced to Microsoft's first dabble in the handset market, than Nokia launches three new low-priced handsets with a focus on, you guessed it, social networking, which target similar demographics to the KIN.
This morning Nokia unveiled the C3, E5 and C6, a range of QWERTY keyboard handsets with ascending specs and prices. The C3 is the entry-level one, with an eye-catching price of around €90 (£80). That's almost impulse-purchase territory and certainly PAYG material.
"People want the best messaging and social networking experience on an affordable device, whether it's sending a simple text or instant message, an email, or a direct message from their Twitter account," said Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia's head of markets. "The Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 are made for just that."
The C3 runs on the Series 40 platform - which is still what the majority of Nokia handsets use - but is the first Series 40 phone to have a QWERTY keyboard. It has a 2 MP camera, 2.4 inch screen and comes in some funky colours. It will be available this quarter.
The E5 seems to be a more grown-up professional handset; following on from the E72 and E63. It runs S60, 3rd edition (the precursor to Symbian ^1), also has a 2.4 inch screen and, as well as all the usual social networking stuff, seems designed to take-on some BlackBerrys with full push email capability. The E5 will cost around €180 (£160) and be available in Q3.
The C6 is the daddy of the three, running on Symbian ^1. It has a 3.2 inch touchscreen and a slide-out QWERTY. This looks like a low-priced take on the modern day smartphone, with simultaneous log-in to ten email accounts, GPS with Ovi Maps and a 5 MP camera. There's no mention of a web browser but it will be interesting to see how it compares to the N900. The C6 will cost €220 and be available this quarter.
