Nokia apparently ashamed of UIQ phone

FOLLOWING OUR story about Sony Ericsson's move to buy UIQ, a sharp-eyed reader pointed out that Nokia has, in fact, shipped one handset with a UIQ interface - the 6708.

This handset is conspicuous for its absence from UIQ's own web site. Plus a UIQ spokeswoman told the INQ we'd have to talk to Nokia about the 6708.

Details of the 6708 are indeed posted on Nokia's Asia Pacific site but, again, there is no mention of UIQ supplying the user interface. The Nokia China site isn't much help, either.

Luckily specialist web site, Symbian-freak.com, provides some insight. It reckons the 6708 is basically a re-badged BenQ P31. Indeed, the 6708 is almost identical save for the missing antenna stub.

The 6708 appears to be on sale only in Asia Pacific although it does have FCC approval for sale in the USA.

It seems strange that Nokia should be so tight-lipped about the fact it has used UIQ technology, though. µ

L'INQS
Nokia China
Symbian Freak