In a nutshell, this is pretty much what this new 6301 model is... "but what is this UMA thingamigy?!"

To put it simply, 'Unlicensed Mobile Access' offers an alternate way for people to connect to their mobile service provider's network. So far, a handset can only hook up to a provider through the specific cellular network technology (or technologies) that it supports (e.g. GSM, UMTS). But with the addition of UMA, it offers an alternative means to achieving the same result - through the use of private unlicenced spectrum technologies.

In the case of the 6301, as well as most other UMA-enabled handsets, this is achieved through the use of WiFi (or wireless LAN technology). Now, you may probably want to throw your arms up in joy right about now, having just learnt that - one day - you would be able to make calls via the comfort of a traditional local area network at home or in the office. But, right now, trying to find a mobile service provider that supports UMA technology may be harder than you think - since it is still early in the technology's life cycle.

(No lecture today from me - but if you want to find out more about this particular mobile technology, here's the concise-enough UMA explanation via Wikipedia)

Getting back to the subject at hand, the Nokia 6301 will:

• come only in the GSM 900/1800/1900 flavour (the model is targeted at the European market);
• gain WiFi data connectivity - for use primarily with UMA, but also accessible by other data-capable on-board apps;
• offer up to 30MB of memory for user data, which is nearly three times more space than its elder twin model; and
• also get a deskstand - to keep the phone in-charge during those UMA-based calls.

These changes certainly look interesting, but at the same time somewhat irrelevant - that is, if you aren't going to give UMA a shot. But in any case, expect to see the 6301 sometime during the fourth quarter...

Resources: General product pages | Technical specifications

In attempts to further expand their 3G handset range for its mass-market users, Nokia has announced the 6555 - a clamshell which "pairs original design and quality worksmanship with outstanding features". For a handset positioned as such, and to be retailing at approximately 200 Euros upon launch, I have doubts as to just how true this statement really is how well this statement will hold up.

To be honest, Nokia's clamshell designs are still not quite up there with the rest, even though they have improved over the years. In the case of the 6555, its somewhat-longer and thinner form factor doesn't just contribute to its aesthetics - but also does its bit towards providing more-positive ergonomics (or overall usability). Seemingly so...

The 6555 will feature all the basic elements of a typical Series 40 (S40) handset, but it will be running the 5th Edition of the platform, being Nokia's latest release. Key features include:

• true dual-mode (2G and 3G) support - Nokia's first handset to support both quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900) and tri-band UMTS (850/1900/2100) - which makes it a real-deal "world phone";
• a 2.0-inch, 16-million-colour QVGA primary display - along with a 128-by-160-pixel external LCD supporting up to 262K colours;
• GPRS / EDGE / WCDMA data connectivity;
• support for external memory cards (microSD) of up to 4GB in size;
• Bluetooth 2.0 and Micro-USB (USB2-based) connectivity; and
• Removable 1020mAh lithium-battery (BL-5C).

Availability is expected within the next few weeks.

Resources: General product pages | Technical specifications