The world's top cellphone maker Nokia unveiled on Tuesday three new, cheaper messaging phone models, while Sony Ericsson followede with the introduction of a new duo of Walkman phones.

Nokia is trying to challenge the dominance of RIM's Blackberry in the mobile email market. The company announced the Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 models, designed to put better messaging and social networking tools in the hands of more people around the world, at affordable prices.

The Nokia C3 is the first device to bring a full QWERTY keyboard to the popular Series 40 mobile phone platform and is the first in the range to enable access to social networks directly on the homescreen. People can view, comment, update their status and share pictures to their social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. At an estimated price of EUR 90 ($122) before taxes and subsidies, the Nokia C3 also comes with Ovi Mail and Ovi Chat, meaning first time users can set up email and chat accounts straight from the device, without the need for a PC. Other features are the Wi-Fi connectivity, a two megapixel camera, a 2.4 inch screen and support for up to an 8GB memory card. The Nokia C3 is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010 in a variety of colors, including golden white, slate grey and hot pink.



In addition to the mid-range C3 model, Nokia also unveiled the C6 and E5 smartphones, priced at 220 euros and 180 euros.

The Nokia C6 is a Symbian-based smartphone with a 3.2 inch touch screen and a full slide out keyboard. The large screen is offering access to Facebook feeds directly on the homescreen. A full suite of email and social networking capabilities means the Nokia C6 is perfect for people who want to stay up to date while on the go.



Expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010 at an estimated price of EUR 220, before taxes and subsidies, the Nokia C6 has many features including a five megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, and Ovi Maps with free walk and drive navigation. In addition, apps are available in the Ovi Store.

Rounding off the trio is the latest addition to the Nokia Eseries range, the Nokia E5. The Symbian-based Nokia E5 follows the successful blueprint of devices such as the Nokia E72 and Nokia E63. The Nokia E5 combines high quality business features with all of the personal networking and entertainment capabilities that a busy professional expects from a smartphone. The phone offers direct access to corporate email through Mail for Exchange and IBM Lotus Notes Traveler. Estimated price of the Nokia E5 is EUR 180, before taxes and subsidies, with expected availability in the third quarter of 2010.



Sony Ericsson also today announced two new phones which marry the Walkman functionality with social networking capabilities.

Sony Ericsson Zylo and Sony Ericsson Spiro combine the music entertainment features if the Walkman phones with social networking.

From Twitter to Facebook, consumers can catch up with friends at just a touch of a button while still listening to their favourite music on the Walkman player. Another key function available on both phones is TrackID ? which allows consumers to access the name and artist of a track they hear playing wherever they are.

Sony Ericsson Zylo

The Sony Ericsson Zylo with Walkman also comes preloaded with sounds and supports the FLAC audio format.

Basic features

- Iconic Sony Ericsson Walkman music player
- Superb sound
- High definition FLAC format
- TrackID - name that tune
- PlayNow - shop in a music store 24/7
- Stay connected with Facebook and Twitter
- Share photos on Flickr and Picasa
- Upload video clips to YouTube with two clicks

- 2.0 megapixel camera
* 2x digital zoom
* Video recording

- Obigo Q7 web browser

- Screen
* 262,144 colour TFT
* 2.2 inches
* 240 x 320 pixels (QVGA)

- Size: 92 x 48 x 16.75 mm
- Weight: 90 grams
- Phone memory: Up to 5 MB
- Memory card support: microSD, up to 16 GB
- Supported audio file formats: MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAc+



Sony Ericsson Spiro

With the press of a button users get instant access to TrackID where they can discover songs in seconds. Log onto Facebook or Twitter or chat via SMS with its conversation bubbles.

Basic features

- Iconic Sony Ericsson Walkman music player
- Tunes on the go ? 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth stereo and FM radio
- TrackID - name that tune
- Download the music from PlayNow
- Catch up with friends on Facebook and Twitter
- Supports GSM GPRS/EDGE 900/1800 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/1900.

- Camera
* 3.2 megapixel camera
* 2x digital zoom
* Geo tagging
* Photo feeds
* Photo fix
* Send to web (photos and videos)
* Video recording

- Browser
* Access NetFront web browser
* Bookmarks
* Google Search
* Web feeds

- Screen
* 262,144 colour TFT
* 2.6 inches
* 240 x 320 pixels (QVGA)
* Scratch-resistant

- Size: 103 x 52 x 11.5 (16) mm
- Weight: 115 grams
- Phone memory: Up to 260 MB
- Memory card support: microSD, up to 16 GB
- Supported audio file formats: MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAc+/WMA/FLAC



Sony Ericsson Zylo with Walkman supports UMTS HSPA 900/2100 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS HSPA 850/900/1800/1900 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900.

Both new phones will be available in selected markets from early Q3 in the colours Contrast Black, Sunset Pink, Spring Green and Stealth Black.