Reuters is reporting that Nokia will unveil it first touchscreen phone next week. Photos of the upcoming Nokia “Tube” aka 5800 XpressMusic have already been leaked on the web. Nokia’s new phone is a direct challenge to Apple’s highly successful iPhone. Two industry sources told Reuters that Nokia would announce the new phone code named “Tube” – on October 2 at an analyst and media event in London. The upcoming touchscreen phone is very important for Nokia as Apple’s iPhone has not only gained market share but has also gained mind share. Nokia has declined to comment about the device and the release date.
Nokia the leader of mobile handset market said in July its touchscreen offering would come this year and be cheaper than rival models in order to tap into higher volume market. Kai Oistamo, head of Nokia’s device business, said in July the Finnish firm was committed to bringing a complete portfolio of touch devices to the market, both in the high-end and low-end segments.
The numbering scheme that Nokia is using for its upcoming touchscreen handset “5800” clearly indicates that the new handset would not be a top of the line product, but will be aimed at the mid market segment. It looks like Nokia is trying to compete on cost basis with the iPhone.