The mobile that slides both ways: Nokia presents Nseries N95

Nokia has started to increase the ante in the race to build the perfect multimedia phone with the launch of their new N95. It boasts a spec sheet that would make even the most die-hard pessimists drool a wee bit. The device looks much like the N80 slider that is currently on the market, but hidden inside that somewhat blocky shape is a 5 megapixel auto-focus camera, a GPS receiver, and HSDPA 3G and WiFi 802.11b/g data support - to name but a few of the highlights.

The new auto-focus, 5 megapixel camera unit, Nokia’s first, makes use of Carl Zeiss optics, just like the N93 and N90 do. Images and videos can be uploaded to a number of different photo gallery and blogging systems. Videos can be recorded at VGA resolution at 30fps, and can be recorded with digital image stabilization. A TV out function on the N95 let users enjoy their works of art on a larger screen, too. The N95 also supports MP3, AAC, M4A, and WMA music playback through its built-in stereo speakers or headphones attached to its 3.5mm headset jack. An FM radio is also included in the N95.

Another new trick for Nokia is the built-in GPS capabilities found in the N95. The N95 comes pre-loaded with a mapping application that covers over 100 countries worldwide. Viewing the maps should be a pleasant experience thanks to the large 2.6″ QVGA (240×320) display that can show 16 million different color shades.

Perhaps the brilliance of the gadget lies in the fact that all of the new capabilities of N95 have been accommodated in a few millimeters lesser than the N80, and lighter by 15g - coming in at 120g total.

All of this multimedia power should be available to consumers at a price of around 550EUR before taxes and network subsidies. However N95 would not be released in the released in the United States, but “something similar” with the same technologies will be offered in 2007 for the North American market.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR NOKIA N95

Specifications for the Nokia N95

• Band GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz, UMTS 2100MHz

• Data GPRS/WCDMA/HSDPA/WiFiSize 99mm x 53mm x 19mm (4.0″ x 2.0″ x 0.7″)

• Weight 120g (4.2oz)

• Battery Life 8.75 days standby time 2.5/3.5 hours talk time (GSM/UMTS)

• Main Display 2.6″ 16M color TFT, 240×320 resolution

• Sub-Display N/A

• Camera Yes, 5 megapixel w/ Carl Zeiss optics

• Video VGA capture/playback at 30fps

• Messaging MMS/EMS/SMS

• Email Yes, POP/IMAP4/SMTP

• Bluetooth Yes, A2DP

• Infrared Yes

• Java Yes

• Polyphonic Yes

• Memory 160MB, microSD memory slot

• Availability Q1 2007 (manufacturer’s estimate)

• Other MP3/AAC/W4A/WMA music player, FM radio, dedicated music keys, speakerphone