Nokia launches C3 at Rs 7,249

Targeting the 'always connected' youth segment, Nokia on Tuesday launched its social networking-oriented mobile phone, the C3.

The new device is the first to offer a full Qwerty keyboard on a series-40 software platform, and comes with Wifi connectivity, 2 mp camera, and free connectivity to Yahoo, MSN, GTalk and Ovi chat, according to TS Sridhar, regional general manager (South), Nokia India.

The C3 offers live updates from Facebook and Twitter directly on the homescreen, and allows making calls from within the social networking application.

The GSM device costs Rs 7,249 in Nokia priority stores, and in Andhra Pradesh, comes bundled with Airtel connection offering free upload (up to 2GB a month) for six months, Sridhar told reporters here. The C3 is available in two colours — slate grey and a shade of white -- with pink to be added soon.

He said the main sticking points for the youth were affordability, ease of setting up and the restricted range of devices, and that the C3 is meant to address these.

"Networking is now gaining among students and is not confined to business people. Nearly 1.7 million access internet only on mobile phones, and the three most popular online activities are email, chat and social networking with the latter two gaining popularity," Sridhar said.