Want to see how Nokia will launch the N96?

Look here! and follow the link on the right hand side.

Not sure we quite understand it though.

Despite having pre-launched the phone back in what seems like the stone ages (well earlier this year), Nokia have now released an official update on the device, which they say will be expected in the fourth quarter of 2008 (so from October).

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Gigaom report that Nokia are ceasing support for the N Series range of mobiles, the N96 amoungst the phones effected. Dig a little deeper however and it appears that what Nokia are doing is stopping bundling the VoIP client in the N96 package.

Possibly this is in response to pressure from carriers, who “give” the phones away for free and do not want to see users getting calls for free from the bundled wi-fi. Possibly, as some commentors say, it is because third party providers can do a better job of writing applications than Nokia can.

In clarification, Nokia have stated that the N96 will be VoIP compatible, but it will require additional software to get there, and existing providers, such as Truphone, are already working on a solution.

There has been speculation as to whether Nokia would include N-Gage compatability when the N96 is launched, particularly as the N-Gage website was showing the N96 as non supported.

The recent application to the FCC included the draft user guide for the N96, which includes a section on how to connect to N-Gage, as shown above.

There is still nothing new on the N-Gage website however, but then until the N96 is launched, it would not be logical to add N96 downloads. (But then not much about the gearing up for th N96 launch has been logical!)

A source in Nokia, it is rumoured, has suggested that Nokia will be starting a video download service, specifically to compliment the release of the N96.

This would mean that users who will not benefit from DVB-H TV because it is not available in their areas, would still be able to use the multi media features of the new handset. The service is likely to be partnered with media content providers and include episodes of TV programmes.

As Planet N96 reported, BBC iPlayer may also be in development for use with the N96, which would add a rolling weeks worth of BBC content for UK based users and certainly add to the N96’s attraction.

Nokia have announced that they are taking pre-bookings of the N96 in India, although a release date is still not given.

Seen as a pre-emtive strike aginst the Apple iPhone, Nokia are looking to get ahead of their rivals in one of the largest mobile phone markets.

In addition, Nokia are to offer exclusively in India, Wave Secure, a S60 unique security application that will allow owners to just to track their handset in the event it is lost or stolen, and also to create a backup for the phone data via the Internet.

Pre orders are not currently showing on the UK or US Nokia sites.

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) have got their hands on a N96 to play with (and certify for the US market).

Get a peak inside the new handset, by checking out the link above.

So the 96 limited edition N96’s have all been allocated, even though there may be some disgruntlement at the way Nokia is to release the phones to those lucky enough to win one, or committed enough to bid for one.

Have you one one, either through the free competition or by bidding for one and donating to WWF?

If you have let us know, and let us know when Nokia let you know when you can expect to recieve it.

There are rumours abound that the N96 will be launched in the UK on 1 October.

I can find no official release from Nokia as yet, but this date seems as likely as any other, but dissapointing for those who were expecting the new N-Series phone today.