Nokia surprises, unveils Internet Tablet 2006 OS for 770

So instead of revealing that upgraded version of the 770 Internet Tablet as we expected them to today, Nokia flipped the script on us and announced that the Google Talk and keyboard features we had been anticipating will actually be coming in the form of a software upgrade. The good news is that these new features -- part of the company's so-called Internet Tablet 2006 OS -- will be available to current 770 owners through a simple update, although those folks who were expecting a hardware QWERTY option (and not just an on-screen "thumb board") are certainly going to be disappointed. On the plus side, the new OS will support SIP-based VoIP solutions, with Nokia specifically mentioning that a version of the Gizmo Project client is forthcoming. IT2006 will become the default operating system on 770 units, and will be available as a free download to existing 770 users, beginning sometime this quarter.

[tim @ May 16th 2006 10:08AM]

"flip the script" means "to show money", usually to a woman. You guys are so not from the 'hood, are you?

[Spoonman @ May 16th 2006 10:44AM]

So, this is still too slow to be usable, but they've added new features to it? Grand. I was actually hoping they'dve gotten it right this time.

[khamel @ May 16th 2006 10:45AM]

blast! i have wanted one of these for over a year now but the claims that its underpowered or whatever have been keeping me at bay. now that they aren't changing the hardware, im really dissapointed. maybe this new os will lead to new hardware in a couple months.

[craptacular @ May 16th 2006 10:45AM]

should have bought this instead of palm lifedrive!

[Moto Oda @ May 16th 2006 10:51AM]

tim: You're a moron. They used "flip the script" correctly.

[Brian from Texas @ May 16th 2006 10:57AM]

I would have used "flow" instead of "money". NOW WHO's HOOD!?!?!

[Stephen @ May 16th 2006 11:18AM]

Since when did talking like a thug become a good thing?

[Torontoguy @ May 16th 2006 11:39AM]

Does this mean that I can use this product and NOT have to use Google software? I hope so.

[DacmonJ @ May 16th 2006 11:57AM]

God this is lame, where's the new hardware we've been salivating over?

[i'macomputa @ May 16th 2006 12:35PM]

Check urban dictionary for the definition of
"Flip the script"
to gain control in a dialogue that is being dominated by another person so that you are now in charge.
could be used for any situation involving only 2 people.
Eddie turned out to be a dominating ***hole, then Shanon flipped the sript now he stays home everyday and cries like a baby.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=flip+the+script

[TIMMAH! @ May 16th 2006 1:10PM]

This is a pretty lame attempt at a UMPC if you ask me. Save your money and get the real thing.

[Rich @ May 16th 2006 1:10PM]

Yes, urbandictionary is a valid and reliable source for the accurate definition of colloquialisms. You sir, are an idiot.

I'm a little disappointed to see no hardware upgrade to the 770, but this should at least make existing users happy. I've been looking forward to picking one of these up when they drop below $200, but it doesn't look like that's happening anytime soon.

[rektide @ May 16th 2006 2:30PM]

ffuuckk i wanted new hardware. stupid slow ass ARM.

[Michael. @ May 16th 2006 3:11PM]

Wasn't there already a tap-able, on-screen keyboard?

[Javier @ May 16th 2006 3:15PM]

You have no idea, this is a internet tablet not a 3D Design Supercomputer. The arm do all it has to do, and is not underpower at all.

The idea of a hardware update was an invention in some blogs , because Nokia said in November, they will upgrade the 770 with the 2006 OS adding VOIP capabilities.

But some people say their dreams and rumors as a true belief.

[johny @ May 16th 2006 4:02PM]

Any screenshots of this full screen keyboard thingie?

[Spoonman @ May 16th 2006 4:16PM]

Well, Javier, I for one have seen the 770 in action at my local computer store and still think it was underpowered for what it was designed for. It took forever for the browser to load, let alone launch a page. Similarly for e-mail and the other apps on the device.

[heavyj @ May 16th 2006 4:58PM]

Screenshot of keyboard:

http://www.internettablettalk.com/images/nokia770/newkb.jpg

[davetreo300600 @ May 16th 2006 7:44PM]

Will the software upgrade speed up the device?

[buddhaverse @ May 16th 2006 9:31PM]

This is good news to those of us who already own this little marvel. Not that many of us believed the hype some media outlets created by insinuating Nokia had a new device coming out. It made no business sense for Nokia to alienate the early adopters by scrapping the original design so quickly.

As far as speed is concerned, Nokia has largely addressed these issues with the more recent software updates. Websites are now stable, and pdf documents render much quicker now.

To compare this device to a UMPC is just wrong. A UMPC is $1,000 and still pretty bulky. The 770 can be gotten for $300 and fits in the palm of your hand.

Sometimes it is so relaxing to just chill and check the news with the 770 before going to sleep. And its awesome for travel.

[JZ @ May 16th 2006 11:48PM]

So if the current 770 MSRP is $360 and can be had for less while you can update the software later for free, why is the new Nokia 770 MSRP $390? Is there new hardware in the updated 770, or just royalty fees for Google?

[rt @ May 17th 2006 10:33AM]

The Google angle makes complete sense. This device does web very well. Google does web apps very well. It's a natural match. I don't need a local email app if my webmail is working well.

Isn't GoogleTalk part of an open federation of VOIP and chat providers? So users aren't bound to just that network. And now that the VOIP underpinning are in the OS, we'll no doubt see software from other parties.

As for device performance, a big feature of the upgrade is the ability to use RS-MMC memory as swap space. It was usable before, but will be better now.

[Gary Anderson @ May 18th 2006 1:47PM]

This device rocks ! Period ! It is a Web tablet and that it does well at a reasonable price and it runs LINUX. No Windows on this baby - thank God ! If you want a laptop with a Intel Core Duo chip then buy one, but try to put it in your pocket !

[Anthony @ Mar 26th 2007 11:44AM]

geesh..waste of mah money..though i have one..still this is one tablet pc that is so slow..my grandma rocks her chair faster..and my 6 month old niece crawls quicker..it is so uselessssss. one good thing for this thing-a-ma-jig is its built-in mahjong and chess game..lol..but i could play that on my PSP. useless crap.. check out the ASUS P525 phone..it's browser is fast and cool..and that's just the built in browser..try loading it with other browser formats like netfox..NOKIA 770- TAKE A HIKE.

[israel @ May 26th 2007 10:12PM]

770 - WOW!

http://callfree.point-serv.com/