14 DAY TRIAL // Nokia finally released its N-Gage gaming platform, a pre-release actually (under the name of N-Gage First Access) that allows only owners of Nokia N81 phones to try and buy N-Gage games. Although not a full launch, this pre-release is definitely a good sign for the new year and we should expect the full N-Gage adventure to be available soon.
Initially planned to be launched back in November 2008, the N-Gage platform's availability was delayed twice, first for December 2007 and then for the beginning of 2008. Nokia motivated the delays by saying that some "unexpected difficulties" appeared. It seems that everything was solved and the N-Gage platform is now ready to offer the long-awaited gaming experience.
Currently there are only a few games available and the features of this pre-release version are constantly improving, so this is just the beginning of what Nokia intends to do. However, it's still a great chance for Nokia N81 owners to try for the first time the new wave of mobile entertainment.
Users who want to try the N-Gage platform can visit the official website at this address and follow the instructions. Nokia also provides an entire series of forums for gamers to ask questions, get help and post feedback. Until now, it looks like the feedback is really great, so most probably the N-Gage platform will not disappoint.
Together with N-Gage First Access, Nokia also launched Share on Ovi, currently in beta version, a service that allows users to organize and share media content on an easy-to-use website. This service relies on the ex-Twango platform, an online media sharing site acquired by Nokia in 2007. The Finnish company re-branded Twango and now offers Share on Ovi via the Twango website.
Share on Ovi supports more than 100 types of files and provides unlimited storage space, a 100 MB maximum file size and a 250 MB upload bandwidth per month, all for free. Moreover, the service allows you to upload and manage the media content directly from your mobile phone, and lets you republish your content anywhere on the Web.
In conclusion, 2008 looks good for Nokia and we're waiting for more releases (phones, services or anything else that the company might want to release).