Nokia has unveiled a new mobile phone that runs on open source, Linux-based Maemo software, which it claims to deliver PC-like experience on a handset-sized device.
According to Nokia, the new N900 is evolved from its previous generation of Internet Tablets. It is expected to provide users with the ability to multitask and browse the internet like they would on their desktop computer. Running on Maemo 5 software, the new phone allows users to access many application windows open and running simultaneously while also using other mobile features.
Anssi Vanjoki, executive vice president of markets at Nokia, said: The Nokia N900 shows where we are going with Maemo and we’ll continue to work with the community to push the software forward. What we have with Maemo is something that is fusing the power of the computer, the internet and the mobile phone, and it is great to see that it is evolving in exciting ways.
Nokia said that the new N900 comes with QWERTY keyboard, ARM Cortex-A8 processor, up to 1GB of application memory and OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics acceleration. It’s homescreen can be fully personalised with favourite shortcuts, widgets and applications. It comes with a new tag cloud user interface, 5MP camera, Carl Zeiss optics and has 32GB of storage, which is expandable up to 48GB via a microSD card.
The new Linux phone is equipped with a Mozilla browser and comes with Adobe Flash 9.4 support. It features a high-resolution WVGA touch screen and internet connectivity with 10/2 HSPA and WLAN for web browsing. The Nokia Messaging service mobilises up to 10 personal email accounts, and text message/IM exchanges with friends are shown in one view and all conversations are organised as separate windows, the company said.
The Nokia N900 is expected to be available in select markets from October 2009, with an estimated retail price of €500 excluding sales taxes and subsidies.
