Nokia announces N8 device with 5-band WCDMA technology

We recently saw a preview of a leaked version of the new Nokia N8 and today Nokia officially announced the Nokia N8 Symbian^3 device. In typical Nokia style they introduced a device with some hot specifications, including a 12 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and Xenon flash, HD quality video capture, free global Ovi Maps walk and drive navigation, and unique 5 band WCDMA support.

Before I get into the other specifications and features, I want to stress the importance of this 5-band WCDMA technology. Here in the US GSM customers from carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T have always had to make a choice between handsets because there are two different 3G wireless frequencies that have never before been supported in a single device. With the Nokia N8 supporting both carriers 3G wireless data networks Nokia can enter the US market with a very compelling product as the user has a choice to use it with their preferred carrier.

Other specifications of the Nokia N8 include:

• 3.5 inch 640x360 capacitive touchscreen display
• Symbian^3 OS with Qt 4.6.2 support
• Bluetooth 3.0
• 802.11 b/g/n WiFi
• HDMI port
• Internal 16GB memory and microSD card for up to 32GB more memory
• 12 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and Xenon flash and 720p capture capability
• Both a FM transmitter and a FM radio
• Integrated GPS with free Ovi Maps navigation
• 1200 mAh NON-REPLACEABLE battery (seems a bit low for this device)
• 5 colors in aluminum casing
• Dimensions: 4.47 x 2.32 x 0.51 inches and 4.76 ounces

Other promoted features include new advanced gesture support, multiple personalizable homescreens, a new email client, integrated social networking functionality, on-demand Web TV in selected markets. The Nokia N8 will be available in the 3rd quarter of 2010 for a MSRP of EUR370 and I will most likely be picking one of these up for myself.