Of late a new dimension is added to smartphone’s functionality that defines the richness of the handset, ‘social networking’. To catch up with the current needs of its consumers, Nokia announced Lifecasting with Ovi, an alliance with social networking site, Facebook.
The innovative application enables users to publish their location and status updates directly to their Facebook account from the homescreen of the handset. The Lifecasting with Ovi feature will debut on the Nokia N97 mini. The mini is a compact version of the distinguished Nokia N97. The mobile computer features 3.2-inch touch display, QWERTY keyboard and fully customizable homescreen.
“People want to bring their physical and online worlds together via the internet. The Nokia N97 mini is designed for this new social internet and to help navigate people and places. With lifecasting, the Nokia N97 mini and Ovi usher in the next chapter of personal and location-aware internet,” said Jonas Geust, Vice President of Nokia Nseries.
Lifecasting with Ovi will be offered on the original Nokia N97 as well as the Nokia N97 mini via Nokia Beta Labs. The Nokia N97 mini packages new software that incorporates homescreen widgets and other enhancements such as flick scrolling. These features will be made available on the Nokia N97 as a free update by next month.
The N97 mini handset is inclusive of new Ovi Maps that simplifies searching, finding and navigating. Apart from global pedestrian navigation, the handset presents premium content from Lonely Planet, Michelin and Wcities. Users can now load their mobile phones with games, videos, podcasts, productivity tools and web services by accessing the Ovi Store.
The Nokia N97 mini is anticipated to initiate shipping by next month for an estimated retail price of EUR 450, exclusive of taxes and subsidies.