Nokia enhances social networking, messaging with new mobile devices

Ben Uzor Jr
World mobility leader, Nokia has announced three new handsets designed primarily to put better messaging and social networking tools in the hands of more people across the globe, at affordable prices. Expected to be available in Nigeria soon, the C3, C6 and E5 come with full QWERTY keyboards, and enable access to a range of different e-mail accounts, IM communities and social networks.
Phillip de la Vega, general manager, Nokia West Africa who spoke to newsmen at the launch of the device in Lagos recently noted, “Nigerians 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; we are proud to bring these new devices - the Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 because they are made for just that.
“Services that provide easy access to the world’s consumer and corporate email and instant messaging are really popular on our QWERTY smartphones such as the Nokia E71 and Nokia E63. Our messaging device range is very successful in Nigeria and globally”, he posited.
De la Vega pointed out that the Nokia C3 was the first device to bring a full QWERTY keyboard to the world’s most popular mobile phone platform – Series 40 – and was also the first in the range to enable access to social networks directly on the home screen. With this device, “people can view, comment, update their status and share pictures to their favourite social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.”
In addition, the device comes with Ovi Mail and Ovi Chat, meaning first time users can set up email and chat accounts straight from the device, without the need for a Personal Computer (PC). Other notable features are the Wi-Fi connectivity, a two megapixel camera, rich color 2.4 inch screen and support for up to an 8GB memory card.
The Nokia C6 is a Symbian-based smartphone combining the benefits of a 3.2 inch touch screen with a full slide out keyboard. The large screen provides a great Internet experience, as well as offering access to Facebook feeds directly on the home screen. A full suite of email and social networking capabilities means the Nokia C6 is perfect for people who want to stay up to date while on the go.
It has an impressive feature set including a high quality five megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, and Ovi Maps with free walk and drive navigation. In addition, thousands of apps – from games and videos to news aggregators and web services – are available in the Ovi Store.
Rounding off the trio is the latest addition to the Nokia E-series range, the Nokia E5. Designed for those that want to be productive in both their professional and personal lives, the Symbian-based Nokia E5 follows the successful blueprint of devices such as the Nokia E72 and Nokia E63.
The Nokia E5 combines high quality business features with all of the personal networking and entertainment capabilities that a busy professional expects from a smartphone. This device is perfect for managing busy schedules with a variety of productivity applications available in the Ovi Store. And with direct access to over 90 percent of the world’s corporate email through Mail for Exchange and IBM Lotus Notes Traveler, it’s easy to keep in contact from anywhere.