Nokia, the leading global mobile telecom company, has unveiled the latest device in its range focused on mapping and navigation, the Nokia 2710 Navigation Edition.

The new arrival is GPS enabled and pre-loaded with Nokia Maps, making it the most affordable GPS device in Nokia’s broad portfolio.

It will be available in the second quarter of 2010 estimated to cost, before taxes and subsidies, 110 euros ($162), according to a statement.

The handset has been optimised for use across urban environments, small towns, as well as rural areas – incorporating straight line pedestrian navigation with the assistance of an integrated digital compass.

Straight line technology allows people a comprehensive range of mobile navigation capabilities for use across pathless terrains. Other features include turn-by-turn driving navigation with full voice guidance, which recalibrates routes depending on the driver’s current GPS location, all accessed with a convenient dedicated navigation key.

“There is a clear trend to provide navigation, mapping and other location based services to mobile phones, and having mapping and location based services integrated in one single mobile device rather than buying two devices is a great benefit,” said Alex Lambeek, vice president, mobile phones, Nokia.

“Of course, when bringing this experience to new people, new prices and new countries, you need to make sure the experience is optimized and locally relevant. With Nokia Maps, Nokia provides the broadest navigation coverage of any competitor and we continue to add new countries all the time,” he added.

As the cost and availability of data connections is sometimes limited, relevant maps are included on the device to save cost and make sure that just because you don’t have an Internet connection, your device isn’t rendered useless.

At the launch event in Cairo, Nokia also showcased its recently announced range of new affordable and easy-to-use mobile phones in the Nokia 1280, Nokia 1616, Nokia 1800, Nokia 2220 slide and Nokia 2690, starting at an estimated price of  20 euros before taxes and subsidies.

'We believe in offering a broad portfolio that caters to a wide variety of needs. This full device range will serve a broad spectrum of people, empower entrepreneurs and provide consumers with knowledge, entertainment and the ability to connect with friends and family,” continued Lambeek.

“Services like Nokia Life Tools and Ovi Mail offer consumers a whole new range of opportunities, including getting their first digital identity, without the need for a PC. With our longstanding commitment to emerging markets, people in rural areas will be able to access information which helps them make informed decisions and has a positive and lasting impact on their lives,” Lambeek added. – TradeArabia News Service