Other useful specifications include HSDPA Cat9 network support, WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g/n connectivity and extensive GPS features. Available in five stylish colours, the model features a monoblock design which incorporates a non-user-replaceable 1200 mAh battery in its anodised aluminum body. Nokia's Singapore and Malaysia product management head Glen Cha said N8 offers three homescreens, which users can retain, delete, add and further personalise to their liking. Users can add widgets and shortcuts to their favourite applications on the homescreens to suit their needs. Some of the available web TV widgets that come preloaded with the N8 are CNN Asia, TV3, 8TV, E!Online and National Geographic.

For online social networking site (SNS) buffs, the N8 has a social client which supports popular services such as Facebook and Twitter.

"The N8 allows tight integration of social networks into your personal life. Commonly used tasks and features which you regularly access on your notebook such as posting comments or adding photos can now be done on the N8. You can also search and add SNS details to a contact in the Phonebook," said Cha.

The N8 also offers enhanced multimedia handling capabilities, improved media player and better camera. "For multimedia playback, it supports Dolby Digital Plus Surround Sound standard. With the right equipment paired, users can experience 5.1 channel audio effect." The camera also features 720p HD video recording capability. Other value-added features are microSD card slot that supports capacities up to 32GB, micro-USB 2.0 port for files transfers and charging as well as built-in premium navigation and travel guides from Lonely Planet and Via Michelin to go with Ovi Maps.

Users also get quicker access to Nokia's Ovi Store, which houses more applications compatible with the N8. Nokia also introduced Qt, a software development environment that enables developers to build applications and have them supported across Symbian and other software platforms.