Nokia Acquires NAVTEQ

After Shareholders and EU regulators gave the go-ahead for the NAVTEQ aquisition by Nokia. The $8.1 billion deal means that Nokia and NAVTEQ will make a killer combination when it comes to combining the mobile experience with navigation and information technologies.

Nokia's "Tube" - An iPhone Challenger.

Nokia showed a potential challenger to the iPhone late last year. The teaser has since been followed up this week with more images and a little bit more info prompting some speculation on the capabilities of their unit, strangely codenamed "Tube" and no doubt able to compete with the iphone on more than just a touch screen based interface and media support, including Java which is still absent (but promised via Sun) on the iPhone.

N-Gage Gaming Launched For Phones

Nokia have finally launched their N-Gage mobile games service. The service will allow Nokia users to download some cool games for their mobile phones. Currently only the Nokia N81, N81 8GB, N82, N95 and N95 8GB phones will be supported. But this will be extended to the N73, N93 and N93i in short order. Nokia are allowing users to try all of the games before buying and games will cost between £4.75 and £8. Multiplayer Gaming will be supported through the N-Gage Arena community and they will be able to join forums, use live chat and take part in tournaments. The crop of games will include EA Sports’ FIFA 08, Brain Challenge and Asphalt 3: Street Rules, World Series of Poker Pro Challenge, Hooked On: Creatures of the Deep and System Rush: Evolution. Soon to be followed by Tetris and The Sims 2 Pets, Block Breaker Deluxe, Dogz, Snakes Subsonic, Space Impact: Kappa Base and Mile High Pinball. Visit the N-Gage Website for more information.

Mobile World Congress Underway In Barcelona

The mobile tech junkies show of the year has been one of many surprises and cool new gadgets for lovers of mobile communication and entertainment devices. One of this biggest has been the unveiling of Sonys new The XPERIA X1 mobile internet device which looks really cool and features a cool user interface with some very interesting interactivity. Also cool is the new Mobile TV ready Nokia N96. The N96 sports a large 2.8in display and features a stand, so that you can enjoy hands-free viewing of your videos and TV shows. The quad-band phone also features a micro USB 2.0 port, supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and HSDPA.

Nokia Reveal iPhone Type Phone

Engadget are featuring a video which showcases an iPhone-esque cell phone and sports a widescreen format display. The unit also has some features very reminiscent of Apples iPhone. No idea on what this device will be called but it (or something based on it), is rumoured for release sometime early in 2008.

Nokia Update N95

Nokia have recently updated their popular by troubled N95 to correct problems with battery longevity and other features. The N95 promised much but has met with much disapproval from early purchasers due its very poor performance in the area of battery efficiency and other features. Shiny Shiny are also reporting that the N95 has been accepted by 3, now that the improvements they were looking for have been made. Time will tell, if these improvements are substantial enough to change a few minds.