Nokia's Mail on Ovi goes live

Nokia announced its free Mail on Ovi mobile email service is now live, enabling Series 40 users to set up email accounts on their phones without need of a PC. According to Nokia, Mail on Ovi promises users the complete features and functionalities of a conventional PC-based email account--during the current beta period, consumers may choose between 12 language settings, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hindi, Bengali, Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malaysia. Nokia adds there are now about three dozen Series 40 device models that support Mail on Ovi services. Since October 2008, the handset giant has now shipped more than 110 million Series 40 phones worldwide.

Mail on Ovi is part of a larger mobile web services effort targeting emerging markets: In early November, Nokia said it would also introduce Nokia Life Tools, a series of agriculture information and education applications created especially for rural and small communities in emerging markets. The services boast an icon-based, graphically rich user interface complete with tables that can display information simultaneously in two languages. Nokia adds that related SMS-based services will guarantee Life Tools services work anywhere within network range, without the complexities of additional settings or the need for GPRS coverage. Nokia plans to launch the service in the first half of 2009.

For more on Mail on Ovi:
- read this release

Related articles:
Nokia cuts mobile web services forecast
Nokia continues Ovi web services push