Nokia's 8 GB N95 Getting Closer

The first official confirmation of Nokia's plan to release an upgraded version of its N95 Multimedia Smartphone has emerged.

The Federal Communications Commission has given its approval to a version of this device with 8 GB of internal storage. This will be a significant upgrade from the 160 MB of internal storage it offers now. This move is likely in response to the Apple iPhone, one version of which also has 8 GB of built-in storage.

No U.S. 3G

The version of the N95 that has just received FCC approval doesn't include another change many in the U.S. have been hoping for: support for the radio frequencies used by 3G wireless networks in N. America. This means that U.S. users of this device will be limited to connecting with the slower 2.5G standard EDGE, just as they are with the current version.

Rumor indicates that a N. American version of this Symbian/S60 device will be launched next month, but so far there has been no word that this will also include the increased internal storage capacity.

Back in Black

Nokia N95 in Black Casing (view large image)

In addition to the change in built-in memory, pictures on the FCC's web site show that the new version will switch to a black casing.

This change will not affect the over-all shape of the N95, which has an innovative design that make it easy for users to switch between phone and media player modes. A numeric keypad slides out from one end of the device while dedicated media keys can slide out from the opposite direction.

Other Features

The Nokia N95 offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

This smartphone has Carl Zeiss optics on its 5 megapixel camera, allowing users to capture print quality photos and DVD-like quality video clips. These can either be played on its 2.6-inch QVGA display or on a compatible television thanks to the device's TV out feature and support.

Related Articles

• Brighthand's Nokia N95 Review
• N. American Version of Nokia N95 May Be in the Offing

Via WirelessInfo.com