As part of its battle with mobile video device makers, particularly Apple with the iPhone, Nokia has launched a slimmed down version of its flagship N97 multimedia device.
The new Nokia N97 mini is being described as a companion to the larger N97, designed with a social and style-conscious consumer in mind.
The new device comprises a smaller mobile computer with stainless steel cues, and features featuring a tilting 3.2" touch display, QWERTY keyboard and fully customizable home screen. By contrast, the N97 has a 16:9 3.5" touch display with a full QWERTY keyboard, providing an 'always open' window to favourite social networking sites and Internet destinations.
The Nokia N97 mini is powered by a new Ovi Maps experience which makes searching, finding and navigating even easier. In addition to global pedestrian navigation, people can access premium content and they can personalise the homescreen of their device with applications and services, including mobile video, from the Ovi Store.
The Nokia N97 mini features new software which will be released in October as a free update for the Nokia N97. The new software is designed to bring new experiences to both devices, including new homescreen widgets and additional usability improvements including flick scrolling.
The Nokia N97 mini is expected to begin shipping in October 2009 for an estimated retail price of EUR 450 before taxes and subsidies.