It seems that every time a manufacturer issues a new touch-only device, it’s dubbed “the next iPhone killer”. Maybe bloggers actually believe in each device’s potential, or perhaps it’s just an SEO ploy. Whatever the case may be, live pics of Nokia’s upcoming touch-only device have finally been leaked and while we’re not going to call it an “iPhone killer” it will likely end up being the most successful device to have been given the title. Codenamed ‘Tube’ (perhaps thanks to enhanced streaming video capabilities), Nokia’s first S60 Touch device is due to start hitting shelves this year. Specs are not plentiful for the time being, but here’s what we know:
- S60 Touch OS
- 3″ – 3.5″ (16:9) touchscreen (No multi-touch, but has tactile feedback)
- Finger or stylus operation
- Camera (presumably 5 megapixel) with autofocus
- Quad Band GSM
- Bluetooth, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, WLAN
- Integrated GPS with geotagging support
We got a nice clarification with regards to the tactile feedback mentioned above when speaking to the product manager in London last September. Apparently the Tube will provide haptic feedback, but a revolutionary variety of it. About 1mm – of play is worked into the glass display cover and is held taught by a spring-like system. When the user presses a virtual button on the screen, the display cover actually has some give as the haptic response is issued simultaneously. The result is said to be the closest thing to a true button press that has been achieved on a touchscreen device. While we can’t guarantee that this very cool design aspect will make it to the production model, our fingers are crossed because it sounds fantastic. With Nokia’s Tube looking better and better with each detail we get, the second half of 2008 (Q4 we imagine) can’t come soon enough.
