Nokia Ditches Rotary Dial Handset

Nokia has decided to ditch the rotary style keypad in an upgrade of its controversial 3650 handset. The handset is similar to the older 3650, but includes an improved screen with 65,500 colour display, replaceable covers and is tri-band GSM. The tri-band Nokia 3660 (GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900) is primarily for the European, Middle-East and Asia Pacific markets while the Nokia 3620 (GSM/GPRS 850/1900) phone is primarily for the Americas. Shipping is expected to begin during the fourth quarter of 2003.

"The Nokia 3660 and Nokia 3620 adhere to the innovative design of their ground-breaking predecessor with a new stylish keymat design, offering consumers the ability to instantly share a moment with ease and style," said Juha Putkiranta, Senior Vice President, Imaging Business Unit, Nokia Mobile Phones. "Exchanging holiday season images or video clips will never be the same. Sharing precious moments between family and friends is but a few clicks away."

The Nokia 3660 and Nokia 3620 phones are based on the Series 60 software package. Both products feature an integrated VGA camera and a video recorder for capturing video clips, as well as a RealOne Player for downloading and playing real-time streaming of content. The MMS functionality allows users to send images, video clips, text and sound to another compatible MMS-enabled phone or to an e-mail address. In addition, the Nokia 3660 and Nokia 3620 have extensive e-mail support and an XHTML browser."

Posted to the site on 10th October 2003