Nokia Enters Thin-Phone Market

location based services

Nokia on Tuesday unveiled four mobile phones, including one that launches the world's largest handset maker into the thin-phone market.
The model 6300, one of three mid-range phones shown to shareholders at Nokia's annual Capital Market Days in Amsterdam, is 13.1 millimeters thick, or slightly more than a half-inch, with a stainless steel frame. While thin by Nokia's standards, the phone falls short of competitors' offerings, including No. 2 handset maker Motorola's 9mm MotoFone set to ship early next year, and No. 3 Samsung's X820, which shipped in the summer and is 6.9mm.
Motorola was the first to enter the thin-phone market with what became its most popular handset, the Razr. While other rivals launched competing products, Nokia didn't, missing its share of a multi-billion-dollar market segment. It wasn't the first time Nokia had missed a style trend. The company was also late in releasing its first clamshell model.
Besides the 6300, Nokia also unveiled the 6290 Smartphone, which supports carriers' 3G, high-speed networks. The phone is designed for professionals, and includes a search application, location-based services for travelers, and two-way video calling.
The third mid-range phone is the 6086 camera phone, which includes a music player and video camera. For the low-end of the market, Nokia introduced the 2626, which includes an FM radio.
The four cameras are expected to be available in the first quarter of next year. The model 6300 is expected to cost 250 Euros, or $330; the 6290, 325 Euros, or $429; the 6086, 200 Euros, or $264; and the 2626, 75 Euros, or $99.
In the third quarter, Nokia held 35 percent of the global mobile phone market, according to Gartner. Nokia, Motorola and Samsung accounted for 68 percent of total worldwide sales.