Nokia launches N-Gage, Ovi services

After considerable delay, Nokia has finally begun an initial rollout of its N-Gage gaming service. The online network allows people to download and play a variety of high-end cellphone games, rendered with both 2D and 3D graphics. The client software is now available through the company's First Access program; although it is only officially said to work with the N81, third-party sources have already managed to remove the software's protective "wrapper," and run N-Gage on phones like the N95. The service was initially slated to launch in November, but the date was then moved to late December, and finally to sometime after the holidays.

The company has also launched its Share on Ovi swapping website, which allows people to share photos, videos and other files, much in the same way as sites like Flickr and YouTube operate. One of the key differences is the ability to also join groups, share via e-mail, or upload directly from a cameraphone.

Filed under: gaming, gadgets, software, hacks
Other story tags: Nokia, social networking, Ovi, N-Gage