Nokia launches Linux based Internet Tablet

Nokia has introduced its first device in the new Internet Tablet category, the 770, at the LinuxWorld Summit in New York. This is a dedicated device optimized for convenient Internet browsing and email communications in a sleek pocketsize format. The Nokia 770 Internet Tablet features an impressive high-resolution (800×480) widescreen display with zoom and on-screen keyboard, ideal for viewing online content over Wi-Fi. Aside from Wi-Fi, the device can also connect to the Internet utilizing Bluetooth wireless technology via a compatible mobile phone.

“With the 770 Internet Tablet consumers can access broadband Internet services away from their desktop, for example in the backyard or at a café within a Wi-Fi hotspot”, says Janne Jormalainen, Vice President of Convergence Products, Multimedia, Nokia.

The device runs on Linux-based software which includes widely deployed desktop Linux and Open Source technologies.

“This is the first step in creating an Open Source product for broadband and Internet services. We will be launching regularly updates of the software. The next software release planned for the first half of next year will support more presence based functionalities such as VoIP and Instant Messaging”, a Nokia announcement said.

Additional highlighted applications include an Internet Radio, RSS News reader, Image viewer and Media players for selected types of media. The Nokia 770 Internet Tablet is planned to start shipping in the third quarter of 2005 in selected countries in the Americas and Europe.