The N76 features the same cover UI seen in the recently announced N75 which allows access to commonly used phone functionality, music files and acts as a viewfinder for the camera. The cover also includes the quick access keys for navigating around the cover UI.

The phone has 26MB of internal memory and a microSD card slot for expansion upto 2 GB. The N76 will be available initially be available in two variants (WCDMA/3G and EDGE/non-3G). 

The N76 I saw appeared to be running S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1. This means the latest version of the S60 browser, A2DP Bluetooth Profile Support, a number of UI enhancements and Flash Lite 2.0 would be present as part of the standard software platform.

The N76 is very reminiscent of the popular RZR range of phones from Motorola. The N76 represents Nokia's first step into the 'thin phone' market and should find popularity among those seeking a slim Nokia or RZR alternative. However with the S60 Software Platform on board it also represents a considerable step up in capabilities compared with some of its competitors in this segment. The N76 is true to its Nseries heritage and boasts an impressive set of specifications within its svelte interior. 

The N76 is a strong candidate as a muisc phone, supporting both the MP3, AAC, eAAC and WMA formats. It also includes support for DRM protected WMA files. Like the N75 the music control keys on the face of the phone make music a key focus of the device, but also hand the device a welcome user experience boost in the music playback department. 

The N76 is due to start shipping in the first quarter of this year and has an unsubsidised price of 390 Euros. 

Press Release:

New device combines a beautiful fold design with quick cover keys to bring substance to style.

 

Las Vegas, USA - Nokia today introduced a trimmer fold model to its Nokia Nseries line up, the Nokia N76, a new multimedia computer that brings the complete Nokia Nseries experience to a sleeker body, with little compromise. With the Nokia N76 multimedia computer, technology and design come together to create a revolution in design for a multimedia computer. Using premium materials to enclose world-class Nokia Nseries features and experiences, Nokia has created a very eye-catching device.

"We did not want to compromise any of the key Nokia Nseries experiences when we designed the stylish Nokia N76 multimedia computer," said Pekka Pohjakallio, vice-president, Multimedia, Nokia. He continued, "Nokia Nseries consumers are bleeding edge technology users and with them in mind we want to offer intelligent and entertaining multimedia functionality in an easy to use, ultra slim package."

The Nokia N76 is a perfect blend of style and substance. This latest addition to the Nokia Nseries portfolio brings a wide range of multimedia experiences to consumers, enabling them to create, consume and connect, using music, videos, images and the internet.

Musical talent

Nokia Nseries music fans will appreciate the dedicated quick cover keys on the Nokia N76, which let you quickly and easily control the device's music features from the outside of the folded device, for instant tunes wherever you are.  Holding up to 1500* tracks the Nokia N76 works with industry standard 3.5 mm headphones and supports the popular Windows Media  DRM for optimal use.

Surf in style

Viewing the 2.4", up to 16 million color screen in landscape mode brings a familiar feel to surfing the web on a mobile. Navigate web pages quickly and easily with the Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map and enjoy easy access to popular internet services like Flickr and Amazon for searching, shopping or sharing.

With Nokia Mobile Search local services, restaurants, bars, shops or just about anything else you want are just where you need them, in the palm of your hand. You can then locate them using online maps or simply click to call them. It's that easy.

Ready for your close up?

See a shot you want? Grab your Nokia N76 and using the dedicated quick cover keys, you can snap that unexpected moment without having to open up the device. Feel like sharing?  Then upload it to a compatible photo sharing community, like Flickr.

Use the 2.0 megapixel (1600 x 1200 pixels) camera to capture, zoom and review pictures on the large 2.4" display, then edit either on the go or transfer them to a compatible PC and even get creative with Adobe Photoshop Album Starter Edition.

Get personal

Use the Download! application to see what new services and software are available for your multimedia computer, as well as keeping other selected applications current on your Nokia N76. With up to 2GB of expandable memory** you can shape your multimedia computer to suit the way you live your life.

The Nokia N76, which is based on S60 3rd Edition software on Symbian OS, is expected to start shipping in volumes during the first quarter of 2007 with an estimated, pre-tax, unsubsidized sales price of approximately 390 euros.