Nokia 8800

Nokia says it used modern watchmaking and jewelry techniques

to create its latest high-end mobile phone, the Nokia 8800. The phone is encased in a stainless steel body, with a sliding keyboard. The new Nokia 8800 features some exclusive audio accompaniment, including all ringtones and alerts, by composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. The company says that Nokia designers employed techniques such as the use of metal injection molding on the function keys. A specially reinforced glass used in luxury timepieces provides toughness and scratch-resistance to the front display (TFT LCD 256K colors, 208 x 208 pixel resolution), and even the Nokia marque has been chemically etched on the back plate using a process typically used by watchmakers. The 'pop-up' mechanism uses a bi-stable spring mechanism and stainless steel ball bearings, like those used in high-performance automobiles. When open the phone also reveals a hidden SVGA 0.5 megapixels digital camera on the back.The tri-band GSM phone operates in European and American band (GSM 850 or 900/1800/1900 networks) and provides GPRS and EDGE connectivity. The phone comes with 64MB internal NAND flash memory, and supports the Bluetooth wireless technology, inclusing SIM profile to be used with some Bluetooth car kits.Built-in mp3 player and FM radio are part of the entertainment functions, plus SMS and MMS.The Nokia 8800 is expected to begin shipping in select markets during the second quarter of 2005. Estimated retail price, before subsidies or taxes, is expected to be EUR 750. The Nokia 8801 shares the same premium design details and features, but is designed expressly for the Americas market. The Nokia 8801 is expected to begin shipping in the third quarter of 2005. The Nokia Wireless Stereo Headset, introduced today, is expected to begin shipping in the third quarter of 2005.