Nokia unveils first tablet and new smartphone ‘phablets’ to rival Apple

TECHNOLOGY giant Nokia hailed a “generation of innovation” as it launched new products, including its first tablet device and two new large-screen smartphones, or “phablets”.

The new Lumia 2520 tablet, designed to “work anywhere” and give users greater mobility, was unveiled at a news conference in Abu Dhabi.

Two new 6in-screen smartphones, or phablets, were unveiled – the Lumia 1520 and Lumia 1320 – offering easier access to apps and other features.

Three new upgrades to the Asha smartphone were also annnounced – the Asha 500, the Asha 502 and the Asha 503 – offering a new design, smarter camera and other features.

Nokia chief executive Stephen Elop, speaking at the launch in Abu Dhabi, said the new tablet device was a “natural extension of the Lumia family”.

“At Nokia we have found that tablet usage peaks between six and eight in the morning and between six and nine in the evening. During the rest of the day tablet usage drops quite dramatically,” he said.

“We are looking to shift this trend – your tablet should be as mobile as you are.”

Apple is expected to unveil the iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 devices, with experts saying they expect the iPad Mini 2 will contain a better camera and a retina display, and could trigger the customary pre-Christmas rush.

There are also suggestions it could feature a fingerprint scanner, similar to one used on the iPhone 5S, launched last month.

The security feature on the iPhone 5S is built into the home button and uses a laser-cut sapphire crystal with a sensor to take a high-resolution image of a user’s fingerprint.

According to Apple, the technology can “intelligently analyse” the print to provide accurate readings from any angle – although hackers later said they were able to easily crack the new safety feature.