Connectivity
The N-Gage QD comes with Bluetooth technology to connect to other N-Gages
or N-Gage QDs within a 10m radius. Up to 4 players can connect for multiplayer
games. Connecting the N-Gage QD online can also be done through the N-Gage
Arena software mentioned earlier. Once connected, access to the N-Gage members
can also, download exclusive content, access rankings statistics, participate
in events and activities, and more. Existing N-Gage users will be able download
the N-Gage Arena launcher from the N-Gage website in May 2004.
 The phone also supports all the latest PAN (Personal Area Network) features
for sharing information between the N-Gage QD and a PC. SyncML is the common
language for synchronizing all devices and applications over any network.
With SyncML any personal information, such as email, calendars, to-do lists,
contact information and other relevant data, will be consistent, accessible,
and up to date, no matter where the information is stored.
However, neither the N-Gage nor the QD contains infrared ports. That
makes transferring pictures, ring tones, J2ME games, and synchronization
more inconvenient. Users who want to connect to a PC will have to buy a
Bluetooth adapter for their computer or the USB data cable accessory.
Conclusion
Nokia has listened to its consumers. Many of the major problems with
the original N-Gage are fixed in the new N-Gage QD. Mainly the awkward phone
design, difficulty in swapping games, and high price. Small improvements
have also been added to include the N-Gage Arena software, and brighter
and sharper screen. However, to keep the price competitive, unnecessary
features people might have come to love will be missing. Notably the MP3
player, FM radio, and tri-band functionality.
Some will like the new N-Gage QD, while others will prefer the original.
Now users have two versions to choose from. The main reason for creating
the QD was to make it more competitive with existing portable gaming devices.
Understandably, a major concern was the price since competitors are selling
their consoles and hundreds less than the original N-Gage retail price of
$299. The N-Gage is a gaming deck, and Nokia felt it put too much on the
first design that was not necessary.
Nokia's largest hurdle in the N-Gage QD's success is not with the device
itself. It lies within the gaming market. Currently only a few games are
available for the N-Gage. While more are in the works, the selection is
not nearly as large as the Game Boy SP's. Nokia knows this, and plans on
releasing 50 new N-Gage titles on the market by the end of this year, 75
percent of which will offer multiplayer sessions via the N-Gage Arena service.
The QD's release dates for the QD are expected to be next May in Europe,
Africa and Asia Pacific (GSM 900 / 1800) and in June for the Americas (GSM
850 / 1900). For the first time, consumers can purchase the N-Gage QD through
cell phone carriers at a subsidized price of $99. Otherwise the QD will
debut at retail price of $199.
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