After much anticipation, the world’s largest cell phone maker is set to roll out its latest smartphone entry this month.

 

Nokia today announced it will begin selling the Nokia (News - Alert) N97 multimedia device in more than 75 countries worldwide. The smartphone features a touch screen, WERTY keyboard, five megapixel camera, GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities.

 

The Nokia N97 is the company’s first device to feature a home screen that can be personalized with a range of widgets, the company They include social networking destinations like Facebook, news services such as Associated Press, and Reuters (News - Alert) and shopping and weather information. The device will also come preloaded with Nokia’s Ovi Store, the company’s answer to Apple Inc.’s App Store for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The Ovi Store launch in April, TMC reported.

 

The device, shown at right, can be pre-ordered through Nokia’s Web site for $699. The launch comes after rumors circulated that Nokia was creating touchscreen devices for a large midmarket.

"The Nokia N97 is an important step towards our vision of delivering a highly personalized Internet experience," said Jonas Geust, vice president and head of Nokia Nseries, in a statement. "Fuelled by a multitude of music, maps, games, media and applications via Ovi, the Nokia N97 transforms the Internet into an experience that's completely tailored to the tastes and interests of its owner."

 

Nokia lost market share in its smartphone business last year to the iPhone and Research in Motion Inc.’s Blackberry models as customers in the U.S., a weak area for Nokia’ in past years, embraced those products, according to a Bloomberg report. Yet, Nokia saw some positive results with its N95 model, which has sold more than 10 million units during Q1 2009, according to a Gear Live report.

 

Already, Nokia will be facing some stiff competition. The Nokia N97 will have to compete with the upcoming launch of the Palm Pre, which Sprint (News - Alert) Nextel Corp. will begin selling on June 6, TMC reported. Apple, too, is expected to roll out a new iPhone on June 8.

 

What’s more, Sony Ericsson (News - Alert) announced plans to launch three new mobile devices as part of a company strategy to boost its product line blending communication and entertainment in its smartphones.

 

While most cell phone users want to stay in touch with the latest and greatest in mobile technology and equipment, a recent survey by In-Stat (News - Alert) predicted a tumultuous future for the mobile industry. As TMC reported, the research firm projected a 20.5 percent drop in handset shipments across the world for the year 2009.