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This image is apparently the upcoming Nokia 7310 classic.  The phone, which is mainly for casual mobile phone users, is based on the S40 platform.

Aside from the normal calling and text messaging features, the 7310 will sport a 3.2-megapixel camera. The phone also has support for stereo Bluetooth, a built-in FM radio and a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack. Also, the device has room for expandable memory, through memory sticks as well as USB connectivity.  All of the S40 menu systems can be seen on the 7310’s 2.2-inch 16 million color display.

The 7310 Classic should be available in stores in a few months, but no word on a US carrier as of yet.

Via [unwired view]

The Nokia 6212 Classic is obviously not about the looks. And with a 2-megapixel camera, 2-inch TFT screen, 3G connectivity, built-in FM radio and MP3 player, it’s hard to say that it’s rocking high technology inside too. But what it does have that separates it from the gajillion other mid-level market handsets out there is the fact that it has integrated NFC or Near-Field Communications technology, which enables it to connect to other NFC-enabled devices and make content transfers easier than ever.

NFC-capable handsets such as the Nokia 6212 classic, according to Jeremy Belostock, the Head of Near Field Communications in Nokia, are set to change the way mobile phone users interact with devices and services in their surroundings. Other than being an NFC-enabled handset that can exchange files like photos and MP3’s with other NFC-enabled devices by being near then and just one touch, you can also make payments with it by having it scanned by a sensor of sorts. And while I’m sure this will save some time for more than a few people, it’s a whole new kind of technology that the not-so-tech-savvy are going to have to learn to appreciate. Which could be bad news, depending on how you look at it.

The Nokia 6212 Classic is set to be released by Q3 2008 for about $320 USD. And with other features like support for MicroSD cards up to 2GB of memory and Nokia’s well loved UI, it’s a safe bet for your next budget handset.

Product [Nokia]

Nokia has just announced two new handsets designed for those in “emerging markets.” The new handsets include to the 2600 Classic and the 1209, both of which seem a little dated even before the actual release, of course they are still very useful phones that offer a decent set of features at a more than fair price.

The Nokia 2600 Classic offers dual band GSM with GPRS support, VGA camera, Bluetooth, FM Radio, email, MP3 ringtones, a 128 x 160 resolution screen with 65,000 colors and runs the S40 operating system.

The Nokia 1209 offers dual band support, has a 96×68 pixel screen with 65,000 colors, a pre-paid tracker, a cost-tracking application, a multiple phonebook that allows up to five people have an address book and runs the S30 operating system. The Nokia 1209 is said to be aimed at “first time buyers.”

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After quite a long time of rumors and speculation, Microsoft has taken the wraps off of its new Windows Mobile 6 (AKA Crossbow), the next-gen version of - you guessed it - Windows Mobile 5.  Remember, the new versions will be called Professional, Standard, and Classic - as opposed to Pocket PC for phone, Pocket PC for PDA and all of that nonsense.  Here’s the run-down of specs and features of the new OS:

- HTML support in email
- Windows Live for Windows Mobile
- File transfer capability in Windows Live Messenger
- New versions of mobile Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with rich editing
- Remote wipe capability for stolen and lost devices
- Call history in contact cards
- Tight Vista integration
- “Calendar ribbon” for more easily viewing schedule by day or week
- New versions of .NET Compact Framework and SQL Server built-in

Devices and carriers for the new mobile OS have not been announced yet, but Engadget is expecting to hear more on Monday.  Stay tuned for more.

Read [Engadget]

In a effort to clear up the confusion in the Windows Mobile naming convention, Microsoft has decided to rename them Standard, Professional, and Classic for the next-gen Windows Mobile 6 (codename Crossbow).  What is currently known as Pocket PC Phone Edition - used on touchscreen devices - will now become Professional.  Windows Mobile Smartphone edition, which is a non-touch screen version lacking Mobile Office, will become Standard, and Pocket PC Edition (for PDAs only) will become Classic.  The new names are really too vague to be helpful, so we’ll see how long they last.

Read [Pocketinfo] Via [CrunchGear]