Nokia Gets Arty With the New 8800s

Nokia’s 8800 series has always embodied class, elegance and a very artful feel and has always managed to make the very traditional, simplistic design look like something that’s more of a status symbol than a mobile phone. The latest additions to the series are the Nokia 8800 Arte (art) and Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte.

Both phones are essentially the same, except for the fact that the Sapphire Arte version has a genuine sapphire gemstone embedded in the center of the 5 way nav-pad. Aside from their traditional metal and glass bodies the surfaces now have an Anti-fingerprint coating (about time guys). Both these new models have taken the series to whole new level being equipped with a 3 megapixel, auto-focus cameras, 3G capabilities and having 1GB of internal memory. They also come with 2 inch, QVGA, 240x320 pixels resolution, OLED displays with up to 16 million colors. The Arte models also use the new standardized microUSB connectors for charging and data transfer.

Apart from the physical traits that clearly make these models in the series stand out, Nokia has also incorporated some fancy new technology into these Arte pieces. First off is the "turn-to-mute" feature wherein all you need to do if you want to silence an incoming call is simply flip the phone over on it’s back. Another new feature is a Tap for Time function. By lightly tapping the metal portion under the screen an analogue clock appears on the screen.

Continuing a tradition of incorporating exclusive soundtracks in its premium handsets, Nokia has invited the internationally acclaimed master producers Kruder & Dorfmeister to add their standout musical style by creating a unique compilation for these new devices. Owners of the Nokia 8800 Arte and Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte will be able to enjoy an exclusive videotrack and soundtrack composed by Kruder & Dorfmeister with visuals by Fritz Fitzke.

Each handset comes with an assortment of mobile accessories that includes the Nokia BH-803 Bluetooth headset with Active Noise Cancellation and touch sensitive volume adjustment. Each handset also comes with a leather pouch with a linen lining and a separate matching desk stand.

The Nokia 8800 Arte will start shipping in the fourth quarter of 2007 at an estimated retail price of Rs. 57,355 (1000 EUR) before taxes and subsidies. The Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte will follow in the first quarter of 2008 and retail for approximately Rs. 65,957 (1150 EUR) before taxes and subsidies.