Nokia gives N96 its own TV channel

NOKIA HAS DECIDED that its new N96 phone is so special it needs its own TV channel.

The Finnish mobile maker is launching something called 'Capsule N96', which allows N96 owners to download 'mobisodes' of exclusive entertainment and lifestyle programming for free.

For those not up on the latest mobile lingo, a mobisode is a 96 second programme, in this case about motoring, fashion, gadgets, comedy, culture or homes – designed to just be just the right length for today's attention deficit culture.

Capsule N96 will feature a motoring style show called Cabin Fever; a fashion-based programme called Portfolio; Pulse, an entertainment feature on the latest galleries, festivals and performances; a technology bit dubbed Byte-Wize; a Cribs-type show called Power Pads and a comedy bit called Funnyhaha.

Apparently "the quick-fire and exciting programming that forms Capsule N96 really reflects the dynamic nature of the Nokia N96 and its users," according to Simon Ainslie, Nokia UK's managing director.

Although optimised for the N96, the downloads will be freely available to any Nokia owner who has a phone capable of playing the content.

Capsule N96 programmes will be available to download from October 1st from the N96 web site, with new mobisodes available to download weekly until the end of November.

According to a spokesNokia, at the end of November, the project will be reviewed and, if successful enough, will be extended or altered depending on the feedback.

Nokia already has deals with the BBC for its Iplayer programming as well as other content plans in the pipeline, mainly through its Ovi platform. µ