Nokia launches three new handsets

HELSINKI, FINLAND: Top cellphone maker Nokia launched three new handsets on Monday, including a new touch-screen model.

Nokia said it would start shipping 5530 XpressMusic phone in the third quarter. The other model, E72, an updated version of its top-selling E71 business phone, will also be available late in the third quarter, while, '3710 fold' will be available in the fourth quarter of 2009.

According to a Nokia press release, the 5530 XpressMusic, priced at 199 euros, is a compact XpressMusic device that uses a touch interface for accessing people and content on the homescreen. The 'scrolling' contacts bar provides direct access to 20 people and their latest conversations and media updates. The homescreen also features one touch shortcuts to content and popular social networks, like Facebook and MySpace.

This handset follows in the footsteps of Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, said the release.

On the other hand, Nokia E72, costing 350 euros, brings a rich mobile email and instant messaging experience right out of the box, claimed Nokia. For the first time, owners will be able to set up instant messaging (IM) accounts provided by Nokia Messaging direct from the homescreen, it added.

Priced at 140 euros, Nokia 3710 fold adds a personal touch with an artistic pattern on the cover and comes with an appealing array of features in a renewed, but instantly familiar user interface, according to Nokia.

In a keynote at the opening ceremony of Nokia Connection event held in Singapore today, where the new models were unveiled, Nokia's executive vice president and chief development officer Mary McDowell said, "Nokia envisions a world where people will be empowered to share and connect with what matters most to them through highly personalized and contextually relevant solutions.”

She said Nokia is driving this transformation both as a company and externally to build a vibrant ecosystem and deliver relevant and delightful solutions to consumers.