Live Pics of Nokia’s Touch-only ‘Tube’ Handset
It seems that every time a manufacturer issues a new touch-only device, it’s dubbed "the next iPhone killer". Maybe bloggers actually believe in each device’s potential, or perhaps it’s just an SEO ploy. Whatever the case may be, live pics of Nokia’s upcoming touch-only device have finally been leaked and while we’re not going to call it an "iPhone killer" it will likely end up being the most successful device to have been given the title. Codenamed ‘Tube’ (perhaps thanks to enhanced streaming video capabilities), Nokia’s first S60 Touch device is due to start hitting shelves this year. Specs are not plentiful for the time being, but here’s what we know:
- S60 Touch OS
- 3″ – 3.5″ (16:9) touchscreen (No multi-touch, but has tactile feedback)
- Finger or stylus operation
- Camera (presumably 5 megapixel) with autofocus
- Quad Band GSM
- Bluetooth, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, WLAN
- Integrated GPS with geotagging support
We got a nice clarification with regards to the tactile feedback mentioned above when speaking to the product manager in London last September. Apparently the Tube will provide haptic feedback, but a revolutionary variety of it. About 1mm – of play is worked into the glass display cover and is held taught by a spring-like system. When the user presses a virtual button on the screen, the display cover actually has some give as the haptic response is issued simultaneously. The result is said to be the closest thing to a true button press that has been achieved on a touchscreen device. While we can’t guarantee that this very cool design aspect will make it to the production model, our fingers are crossed because it sounds fantastic. With Nokia’s Tube looking better and better with each detail we get, the second half of 2008 (Q4 we imagine) can’t come soon enough.
I’m glad I’m sending my N95 8GB NAM back. Also, the N95 just slowed down my texting a lot! Back to Curve…
“enhanced streaming video capabilities”
Hm… maybe the Viewty should be worried also?
This sounds like a great handset, tie to get one of these along with an XPERIA.
It will be nice to put somwhere a direct link back to the real source and to answer on your question, no it is not 5 mpx!
whats that word thats blurred out in the top left corner of the handset ?
Looks good. That blurred out word is Menu
No WiFi or VGA, and it doesn’t say how many bands the 3G runs over (dual? tri?)
Of course it has WiFi. WLAN = WiFi…
This is a good device that has plenty potential. I’m still getting the Nokia n95-4 8GB but I’ll also be looking at purchasing this device and the Blackberry 9000 if RIM gets their shit together with their sloppy OS.
Yawn, too little too late.