In an attempt to compete with the iPod Touch, Nokia (News - Alert) announced yesterday that it will be introducing an upgraded version of a wireless multimedia device without a phone.

 

Intended for heavy users of Web sites like Google, Skype (News - Alert), Facebook and Flickr, the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet connects to Bluetooth connections or Wi-Fi hot spots, as opposed to cellular networks. Priced at $479, it has satellite navigation and built-in maps for getting directions, instant messaging, a high-resolution camera and a 10-gigabyte memory card for storing up to 7,500 songs.

 

“What we have created is a clean Internet device,” said Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia’s general manager of multimedia business. “It does not bring any of the ridiculous leftovers of the past.”

 

Among the major differences as compared to the iPod Touch, Nokia users can choose between a touch screen, writing stylus or pop-up keyboard that’s bigger than Apple (News - Alert) devices.

 

The device should begin shipping in next month. It will implement Linux as its underlying software OS, and feature a Mozilla-based browser, with interactive AJaX technology and Adobe Flash 9. Google (News - Alert) Talk instant messaging features will let users know when other friends using Google Gmail are online. Additionally, Users can select Skype or other Internet-calling applications.

 

It will be offered first in North America, then 15 European markets and in parts of Asia.