Claiming the first fully compatible, video-enabled i-mode device to launch in Europe
NEC is extending its portfolio of i-mode handsets in Europe with the launch of the n400i – the first fully compatible i-mode device in Europe to enable users to shoot and send video clips. The n400i will be supplied to KPN Mobile in the Netherlands, E-Plus in Germany and BASE in Belgium, and can be seen on the NEC and E-Plus booths at this year’s CeBIT show in Hannover.
NEC has a formidable global pedigree in i-mode. In Europe, NEC launched the first ever i-mode handset to be developed specifically for the European market, the n21i, which was supplied for the launch of KPN Mobile’s i-mode service in March 2002. NEC also provides i-mode devices to Bouygues Telecom in France, Telefonica in Spain, and is the largest
i-modeTM handset manufacturer in Japan.
The n400i’s elegantly stylish silver clamshell exterior houses a highly advanced and innovative mobile device, with all the latest must-have features. It includes an integrated MPEG4 video and still camera with nightlight, so that users can make their own movie or still images even in dark conditions. In fact, the LED nightlight is so effective that it can double as a torch.
The camera also features a 3x digital zoom and self-timer function, and can take pictures in seven formats to maximise image quality in different light levels: standard full colour, sepia, monochrome, negative, darkness, person and room. Users can then opt to save the image in one of five quality standards – ranging from super fine to super economy. Clips can be sent to other i-mode users via i-mail, other mobile users via MMS, or e-mailed to a PC anywhere in the world.
The handset boasts two 65,536 colour screens – a large 240×320 pixel screen on the inside, and a smaller external 108×80 pixel screen. It has been designed to showcase all of the features and functions offered by i-modeTM in Europe, including e-mail, internet browsing, and the latest JAVATM games – more than enough to keep even the most demanding users entertained on the move.
The external screen can be used to personalise the device with a wallpaper or incoming caller ID image. And with 64-chord polyphonic sound, users can download the latest ringtones and assign them to their favourite contacts.
Frequent travellers will be glad to see that the n400i is tri-band, allowing them to stay in touch across five continents. It also features 4Mb of internal memory, a 500 contact phonebook, calendar, to do list, clock and alarm, calculator, currency converter and scratch pad.
“NEC is committed to the continued success of i-mode in Europe, and is delighted to be, once again, bringing new innovation to the market,” said Tony Hutson, Director, NEC UK. “The n400i is sleek and stylish, yet packed with cutting edge mobile technology that has been developed exclusively by NEC in Japan. It is certain to impress i-mode’s rapidly growing European user base.”
The n400i will go on sale in The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium this spring.