Dual Mode 3G Handset Launched by Nokia

As has been long expected, Nokia has finally shown off its dual mode GSM - WCDMA 3G handset. One of the benefits of the WCDMA radio interface in the Nokia 6650 phone is it allows running more than one data session simultaneously. This makes it possible, for example, to capture and share what the user sees whilst talking on the phone. The dual-mode functionality makes the Nokia 6650 phone the world's first GSM/WCDMA handset to work in Europe and Asia including Japan.

The first deliveries for operator-controlled live network tests of the Nokia 6650 phone will start during fourth quarter, 2002. Depending on the WCDMA networks' opening schedules and the maturity of the interoperability between networks, services and terminals , the first commercial deliveries of the Nokia 6650 are estimated to start during first half of 2003.

The Nokia 6650 phone is based on a solution that brings both the GSM and WCDMA chips on to one circuit, enabling talk times of up to 2h 20min in WCDMA and up to 2h 40min in GSM. The phone weighs 141g and has a dynamic memory of 7MB.

The 6650 is also the first Nokia phone to incorporate the ability to record video simultaneously with sound. In addition to still pictures, users can capture video clips - with audio - for up to twenty seconds, in 4096 colors. The pictures or clips can be viewed and stored in the Nokia 6650, or sent to either a compatible phone or to an email address as a multimedia message.

The Nokia 6650 phone also includes a WAP 1.2.1 browser supported by GPRS, MIDP Java 1.0 technology for downloading additional applications to the phone, support for polyphonic ring tones, wallet application for mobile transactions and data connectivity possibilities via USB, Bluetooth and infrared.

The handset is expected to sell for about US$730 before any possible network subsidies - bringing it on par with the high end smart phones in pricing.'"

Posted to the site on 1st October 2002