NOKIA, THE world's biggest maker of mobile phones, this week unveiled four new models with cameras and e-mail access for buyers of replacement handsets in emerging markets.
The Nokia 5000 features a 1.3 megapixel camera and will be priced at about €90 before subsidies and taxes, the company said.
It will begin shipping in the second quarter. Nokia anticipates replacements in emerging markets such as China and India to account for more than 60 per cent of total sales this year, up from more than 50 per cent last year.
There is anecdotal evidence that some customers in those markets buy pricier models when replacing their phones, Nokia said in a regulatory filing last month.
"People in emerging markets like Africa are increasingly demanding more from their mobile phone," Alex Lambeek, a Nokia manager, said.
Other models are the 1680 Classic, the 7070 Prism and the 2680 Slide, which will retail at prices ranging from €50 to €75.
Nokia also unveiled a wireless e-mail solution together with Webmail International that can be configured for the devices in South Africa. Yesterday, Nokia unveiled the 3606 music phone and 1606 foldable device, both of which are based on the code division multiple access, or CDMA, standard for the North American market.
They will be available in the third quarter. Nokia's internet store, offering digital music, opened in Ireland this week, the company said. - (Bloomberg)
