Nokia, lagging behind Apple Inc.’s iPhone on applications, unveiled new devices that will let users do more on Facebook and get greater access to music.
The world’s largest mobile-phone maker unveiled the N97 mini, a cheaper version of its top-end phone that will allow users to post their location on Facebook.
It also announced two new music phones, the X6 and X3, and pledged to form more partnerships with software companies.
According to Bloomberg News, Nokia had 45 percent of the smart-phone market in the second quarter, researcher Gartner Inc. said. That’s down from 62 percent in 2005. Smart-phone sales are estimated to increase 27 percent to 170 million units bringing in revenue of $57 billion this year, it said.
Users look to smart phones for content including movies, video, pictures, Web sites, Facebook and other features. Apple has more than 50,000 applications available for all iPhone and iPod Touch models.
Nokia’s new N97 mini will come with “social location” capabilities, permitting users to post their locations in Facebook status updates along with geographically linked photos and local content, Nokia said. The software makes it easier for users to produce and consume information about places.
The N97 mini has a suggested sale price of $639.
The music phones offer bundled unlimited music services in some markets.
Nokia offers two new music phones, Facebook applications
