Nokia announced the launch of NFC-ready (Near Frequency Communication) smart phones in the Indian market on Wednesday. The handsets will operate on the new Symbian Belle operating system.
Three models under the range will be priced between Rs 12,999 and Rs 18,999. The Nokia 700 will be Nokia's smallest smart phone, the 701 will be its brightest smart phone and the 600 model, its loudest smart phone.
NFC allows data exchange through wireless connection between two enabled devices located in proximity. The Nokia Just Tap smart phones will allow transfer with a tap of one device on the other, or from a phone to another NFC-device (like a speaker).
Speaking to reporters at the launch, Mr D Shivakumar, Managing Director, Nokia India said, "We believe the next big wave in the category will be NFC on Symbian Belle. NFC has been used for identification and data transfer; and in India, we are starting off with entertainment."
Nokia does a Ra.One
Ra.One will become the first movie to be marketed through the NFC technology, said Mr Shivakumar. The Ra.One Web site will feature five-level interactive gaming embedded with movie content and promotions.
At over 400 Nokia priority outlets and partner multiplexes, NFC-tagged movie posters (which can be programmed to deliver any kind of content), will offer content from Ra.One including the songs.
Mr Shivakumar added, "We have chosen to launch with entertainment because we believe that will work in this country. And if this works, this could open up a lot of opportunities for entertainment, including helping address music piracy."
While Ra.One content via the NFC technology is being offered free, a business model would come into play eventually to leverage the vast content pool available in India, noted Mr Shivakumar.
Nokia will launch more NFC-ready devices, including mobile handsets, and work towards creating an ecosystem, he surmised
"It's a great area for monetisation for the entire film industry," noted Nokia brand ambassador and producer of Ra.One, Mr Shahrukh Khan.
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