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Dec. 3, 2008

Early this morning, Nokia announced its new N-97 SmartPhone, its second challenger to Apple’s iPhone, following its 5800 X-Press MusicPhone in October.

However, the N-97 has a QWERTY keyboard, unlike the 5800, which only has a touchscreen.

Nokia's new N-97 also has a GPS sensor and an electronic compass. Those features are useful for location-based services and for social networks, Nokia officials noted.

Nokia also said that sales in the U.S. are now scheduled for the first half of 2009.

The unsubsidized price is expected to be in the $700 range. Some industry observers think that price might a bit high though. Some even think Nokia may revise its pricing strategy for the N-97.

Adobe Flash and Bluetooth stereo are also included. Both features are visibly absent from Apple's iPhone, along with 32 GB of RAM (up to 16 GB more through a Micro-SD card), a five-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi functionality and USB 2.0.

Nokia added that its acquisition of Symbian is now complete and that upgrades are now available for the Nokia Maps software.

New features include 3D landmarks, high-resolution in aerial images and terrain maps, plus the ability to plan routes on a PC and to synchronize them to any wireless phone.

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Source: Nokia.