In the mobile phone world, the iPhone from Apple has definitely set the bar with regards to touch interfaces.’a0 Apple, with their multi-touch capabilities, has set a new paradigm with regards to user interfaces and user experience on mobile handsets.’a0 We have seen other players in the mobile industry try and replicate Apple’s success, but have come short.
Nokia has appeared to be a sleeping giant when it comes to touch interfaces.’a0 Over the last year, we have seen the Nokia XpressMusic 5800 and the corresponding S60 5th Edition come to the market.’a0 And now, the Nokia N97 is the flagship Nokia model with its large 3.5″ touch screen.
These two handsets have been modest entries into the touch market and it appears with recent announcements from the Finnish handset maker that they have finally embraced the touch user interface and are putting their engineering talent behind it.
The Nokia N900 Tablet
As discussed before, the Nokia N900 Tablet/Phone takes some of the best features of the Nokia N97 and marries them with the popular, yet niche, features of Nokia’s Internet Tablet line.’a0 With the N900 we get the expendable Linux-based Maemo 5 operating system tied in with a 5Mp Camera with Carl Zeiss Lens, 3.5″ touch screen, 32GB of onboard storage and a slide-our keyboard.
If you watch the demo video provided by Nokia, you’ll see they’re featuring the touch interface front and center.’a0 The N900 from Nokia is all about creating media and sharing it with those in your social circle online.
Nokia X6
The X6 is a brand new device category from Nokia.’a0 This X6 device is made for media consumption with its 3.2″ screen.’a0 It also features 32GB of onboard memory and a 5MP digital camera.
But, in a huge step for Nokia, the biggest news out of Nokia World (in my opinion), is the Nokia X6 features a capacitive touch screen.’a0 Whereas the N97 and 5800 XpressMusic features a resistive touch screen that requires ample feedback to register a keystroke or tap, the X6 will be more user-friendly – like the iPhone which also features a capacitive screen.
With its advertised 35 hours of music playback and customizable homescreen, the X6 represents a new venture for Nokia in the touchscreen phone market.
What do you think? Do these new handsets excite you?’a0 Or is Nokia just trying too hard and coming up short?
It is interesting to see all the changes that are occurring in the handset market.’a0 The iPhone’s effect is starting to ripple and its time for other innovators to start showing us their stuff.’a0 Does Nokia have any chops?’a0 You tell me.