Telecompaper

Nokia unveiled a new application for integrating Facebook with its Ovi services, as well as new high-end handsets at its Nokia World event in Stuggart. Lifecasting with Ovi will premiere on the new N97 mini mobile phone in October and also be available as a software upgrade for the existing N97. The application allows users to publish their location and status updates directly to their Facebook account from the home screen of the mobile device. The new N97 software will also offer new homescreen widgets and additional usability improvements including flick scrolling, as well as an updated version of Nokia Maps with premium content from Lonely Planet, Michelin and Wcities. The Nokia N97 mini is a smaller version of the flagship handset, with stainless steel cues, a tilting 3.2-inch touch display and slide-out qwerty keyboard. The handset comes with 8GB memory plus card slot, a 5 megapixel camera and A-GPS. It will sell for EUR 450 before taxes and subsidies. Nokia will also release two new music phones in Q4. The X6 offers 32GB of on-board memory and a 3.2-inch touch screen with 16:9 widescreen display, as well as up to 35 hours playback, 5 megapixel camera, A-GPS and the Comes with Music service. The mid-range Nokia X3 is the first Series 40 device with access to the Ovi Store. The compact slider comes with stereo speakers, built-in FM radio, a 3.2 megapixel camera and up to 16GB memory via an external card. The Nokia X6 will sell for EUR 450, and the Nokia X3 comes with a price tag of EUR 115. Nokia will also be releasing in Stuttgart more details on its new high-end Linux handset the N900 and netbook device, the Booklet 3G (priced at EUR 575), as well as discussing its plans for financial services under the Nokia Money brand.