Mobile TV
Nokia has unveiled its DVB-H TV Nokia Mobile TV Headset to transform mobiles into portable TVs capable of showing live programmes.
The headset allows users to tap into TV shows without an internet connection, saving data rate worries plus side-stepping patchy Wi-Fi and 3G signals. Nokia claimed DVB-H (digital video broadband handset) is also kinder to a mobile's battery life than web TV alternatives.
Nokia said the handset also features for changing channels and music controls, while it will also handle calls and volume. It requires an app called Mobile TV, which comes pre-loaded or is available from Nokia's Ovi Store.
However, the headset will only be compatible with Nokia's Symbian^3 handsets that come with a USB-on-the-go feature, which so far is only the N8, which is due to launch in October. The headset is expected to retail at around €40 and should hit the shops in Q4 of 2010.
And there is another setback - Nokia has warned that while it is expanding, DVB-H coverage, it is presently patchy in a lot of countries, including the UK. It said licensing issues and lack of frequency availability have stalled many projects but services are working in the Netherlands, Russia, New Delhi and Helsinki. It also recommended checking local coverage before forking out.
Here's a photo of the headset courtesy of the Nokia blog.
Incidentally, the phone giant has also released an interactive unboxing video of its new N8 handset, with the mildly amusing option of choosing between a normal person, a geek and ‘hot' girl to perform the unboxing.
