3GSM 2006: Nokia shun 3G, but focus in on wi-fi at conference

Nokia has launched three new GSM handsets at the 3GSM conference in Barcelona, Spain shunning 3G in favour of wireless connectivity

13 February 2006 15:22 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Nokia has launched three new GSM handsets at the 3GSM conference in Barcelona, Spain shunning 3G in favour of wireless connectivity.

At the top of the pile is the Nokia 6136, a new clamshell handset that offers Wifi connectivity alongside standard quad band GSM bringing the opportunity to use VoIP services on the move to those who are able to find a hotspot.

To accompany the UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) technology, the fold-style, quadband (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) Nokia 6136 also includes a wide array of the latest features.

The phone comes with a 1.3 megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom, support for microSD memory card and a built-in stereo FM radio supporting Visual Radio.

The phone also features dual colour displays, including a 262k colour main display, an integrated handsfree speakerphone and multiple messaging capabilities, including MMS, email, push to talk and Nokia Xpress audio messaging.

The Nokia 6136 phone also promises operating times in both GSM and UMA modes, with up to 5 hours of talk time and up to 280 hours of standby time in GSM mode and up to 5.5 hours of talk time and up to 82 hours of standby time in UMA mode.

The new Nokia 6136 phone is expected to be available during the second quarter of 2006 as an Orange exclusive.

Nokia has also used the event to launch a further two handsets: The Nokia 6131 and the Nokia 6070.

Both handsets feature camera phones and are aimed at the mid-range market. The clamshell Nokia 6131 includes a 1.3 megapixel camera, Quad band connectivity, a high-quality display offering up to 16 million colours, Bluetooth and microSD memory card support. The Nokia 6070 comes with basic camera phone capabilities and stereo FM radio

Finally, Nokia and Sony Ericsson and today announced their intention to co-operate to achieve interoperability in DVB-H enabled devices and secure multivendor mobile TV services and pilots from 2006 onwards.