Nokia is working on what some observers are calling an iPhone killer. Code-named “Tube,” Nokia discussed the device at the Evans notes Developer Relations Conference that week. The new touchscreen handset could debut by the end of the year.

According to Avi Greengart, a wireless analyst at Current Analysis, Nokia has been hinting at that device for months. He watched a video about a Nokia touchscreen phone at a December conference.

“Nokia is quick to tell you it is already well versed in using touchscreens and creating touchscreen devices,” Greengart said. “In fact, its Net tablet even has a full World Wide Web browser with Flash support.”

Java Built In

The Tube will have Java built in as a standard, which would give it at least one competitive advantage by Apple’s current iPhone, according to Tom Libretto, vice president of Forum Nokia. Libretto additionally told the conference that the Tube will be able to upload photos to the Web,

which would mean built-in Wi-Fi or HSDPA connectivity. The tube may additionally include support for the DVB-H mobile-TV standard for Europe and mobile video.

Nokia has a strong grade presence in Europe, particularly in high-end multimedia. Greengart suggested Nokia is trying to freeze the market with a promise of an iPhone-like device soon. While that promise may not form much of an impact in the U.S., he said, it carries tremendous credibility in the European market.

Nokia did not reveal precisely when the Tube might be ready for distribution. However, Greengart said Nokia has consistently promised to deliver a touchscreen mobile phone before the end of 2008. Meanwhile, Apple is readying the next version of its iPhone, a 3G device that could allow Apple to gain more market share in the U.S. and Europe.

Innovation Remains King

Apple has its strengths, as does Nokia. For example, the iPhone has…

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