Nokia launches XpressMusic touch-screen smartphone

Nokia has unveiled its first touch-screen device

Nokia has launched its first touch-screen smartphone aimed at enticing mobile music fans away from Apple's iPhone and other competing devices.

With the launch of its first touch-screen device, Nokia is attempting to position itself as a firm competitor to the iPhone and the T-Mobile G1, the first device based on Google's Android platform.

The Finnish handset maker will also beat Research In Motion, which is expected to launch its first touch-screen BlackBerry later this year.

However, unlike the BlackBerry and the latest iPhones, the new Nokia smartphone is not being touted for business use.

Nokia is aiming the 5800 XpressMusic firmly at the consumer market. It will be available with the Comes With Music service, also being unveiled today.

The handset maker is focusing on features such as a drop-down menu, dubbed the Media Bar, which offers access to videos, music and photos, plus a link to the web, rather than email or fast mobile web browsing.

"As Nokia's first mass-market device with a touch screen, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic turns a 'user interface' into a 'human interface' by truly putting people first," said Jo Harlow, vice president of Nokia.

"Nokia is taking the familiar and giving it a human touch. We have used touch technology where it really adds value such as the Contacts Bar and Media Bar, and clever shortcuts from the home screen to menu items such as calendar, profiles and clock."

Current visitors to Nokia's UK web site are invited to register their details for the new music service, which offers "full access to the Nokia Music Store catalogue for up to a year" and the ability to "download and keep millions of tracks".

The 5800 XpressMusic will be available at some point this quarter, priced at around £218 plus VAT.