Today at the VON Europe conference in Stockholm, Nokia introduced a new software upgrade for the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet. The upgraded features of the introduced OS 2006 edition include support for rich Internet communications, including pre-installed Google Talk(TM) - all on a portable broadband mobile device. Google Talk(TM) is Google’s free instant messaging service that enables people to chat and make calls through the Internet.
Additional features of the new software edition include enhanced text typing with full-screen finger keyboard, improved memory performance and refreshed look. There is also an improved home view desktop allowing users to choose from a variety of small applets to enable fast access to Internet services.
“We are pleased to offer this software upgrade to both the existing user base of the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet as well to new users. Since the launch of the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet, we have received a lot of positive feedback along with requests for both small and large improvements. It is a credit to the internal team, here at Nokia, that many of these wishes are addressed in today’s’ upgrade”, says Ari Virtanen, vice president of Convergence Products, Multimedia, Nokia.
“The Internet Tablet OS 2006 edition features pre-installed Google Talk and Jabber compatibility for Instant Messaging as well as Google Talk compatibility for Internet calling. This will give Nokia Internet Tablet users the power to instantly communicate with people, both through instant messaging and Voice over IP”, continues Ari Virtanen.
In addition to Google Talk(TM), which is based on open standards and is compatible with all instant messaging clients that support Jabber/XMPP, the tablet also offers Google as the default search provider, making it even easier for users to get the information they need quickly and easily.
“By extending the power of real time communications, Google Talk will provide users with easy access to one of today’s most popular methods of communication,” said Deep Nishar, director of product management, Google Inc. “Because Nokia has made it even easier to access Google search, users will be able to get the information they need, when they need it and regardless of where they are.”
The upgraded Internet Tablet software platform can also support SIP based VoIP solutions for broadband business benefit. Standalone software applications, like the popular Gizmo Project by SIPPhone Inc, is planned to be available for the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet. The Gizmo Project has a rich feature set including the capability to make and receive calls from public telephony networks.
The Nokia 770 Internet Tablet is a Wi-Fi enabled device optimized for Internet communications in a slim pocketsize format. The Nokia 770 Internet Tablet features an impressive high-resolution (800×480) 4.13″ widescreen display with zoom and on-screen, full-screen finger keyboard or handwriting recognition, 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 device.
The Internet Tablet OS 2006 edition which is based on popular desktop Linux and Open Source technologies is planned to be available during the second quarter of 2006 in selected countries in Europe and the Americas. It is downloadable free of charge from the Internet www.nokia.com/770.
I don’t get it. The new Nokia 770 is $390. Or I could buy one today for less than $350 and update the software later for free.
What am I missing?
Poster #2:
According to here the only notable difference, besides the new software, is “virtual memory support.”
We test our software, where I work, on the 770s, so I upgraded one of them to the new image. The device is reporting running the new image, but there is no new software, like the Google Talk stuff.
I’m lost — any ideas anyone? Does one *have* to buy the new device to get the new applications?
Comment by ADC 05.17.06 @ 11:23 pmYou are missing that retail prices always differ from suggested prices.
Comment by Viipottaja 05.18.06 @ 4:29 amI can’t wait to be able to download and install the update. It has been a LONG time coming. I hope someone comes out with a SKYPE VOIP client for the Nokia 770.
Comment by Gary Abnderson 05.18.06 @ 10:16 pmMy local CompUSA here in Albuquerque has the Nokia 770 in stock and selling for $349.99 with a discount and no tax for business customers which reduces the price even more.
Comment by Gary Anderson 05.18.06 @ 10:20 pmAnyone know when the update is supposed to be really available?
Comment by Jaykay 05.20.06 @ 3:54 amsomewhere in the 2nd part of our year.
very soon.
keep your nose up 
Will this also be NEW HARDWARE?
Or “just” new O/S?
Planning on buying a 770, but if they gonna release new hardware soon I better wait.
Comment by Alex 05.22.06 @ 1:48 pmI picked mine up at Comp USA in Tulsa, OK for $359.00 with a $50 mail in rebate. And, Alex there wont be any hardware revisions that I saw on nokia.com/770. Just an OS update. Frankly, I can’t wait to see it.
Does anybody know where I can get 1Gb RS MMC? I cant find one at my local stores.
Comment by Jason 05.22.06 @ 8:07 pmMay I ask a question?
How could we use VoIP on Nokia770 without microphone?
Jason,
I just got a 1 GB card from Newegg. Look under Flash Memory - MMC mobile. I got the A-DATA 1GB.
My 770 accepted it and showed the free memory, but since then I have not yet put much back on it. Seems to work fine so far though…
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820211037
Comment by Marc 05.24.06 @ 5:39 am[…] Oh yeah, and what about VoIP: You didn’t think we’d totally forget about VoIP did ya? Nokia has announced that the upcoming OS update for the 770 will include a SIP phone. They also recently announced plans to include a version of Google Talk which also supports VoIP. We’ll keep you posted when we get our hands on the update! […]
Pingback by Archatechs » Our Ultimate WiFi iTunes Remote 05.25.06 @ 10:34 pmRe Charly’s question, the little hole on the bottom of the 770 right next to the charger connector is a microphone, so VoIP is no problem.
However, has anyone confirmed whether a Bluetooth headset can be used with the 770? That’d be a lot easier (and look less dorky) than having to hold the screen against your ear.
Comment by gafisher 06.05.06 @ 7:26 pmSo when is the 2006 upgrade going to be available? I emailed Nokia and they didn’t respond. It’s on the devices they sell so why don’t they make it available to current users now?
Comment by Matt 06.06.06 @ 11:03 pmso can we or can we not do the voip right now?
Comment by Juice 07.08.06 @ 6:37 pm