Nokia on Wednesday announced it has developed and will soon release five new entry-level handsets meant for those in the developing world. These handsets will support Nokia Life Tools, a set of livelihood improvement aids for users in small towns or the countryside. The Nokia 1280, 1616 and 1800 are the most basic of the set and are designed explicitly for areas with harsh climates and poor electricity. All have similar features, including FM radio support, a prepaid tracker, built-in flashlight and an anti-scratch cover and dust-resistant keypad. Battery life is rated at up to 22 days of standby time.

The Nokia 2220 slide and Nokia 2690 add Ovi Mail e-mail support, which allows people to create e-mail accounts without the need for a PC. They otherwise have Bluetooth support, a VGA camera, FM Radio and enough space to hold up to 1,000 contacts. They support both GPRS and MMS networks. The Nokia 2220 slide has a 20-day standby time, while the Nokia 2690 can hold a charge for 13 days.

One of the new handsets and the Nokia Life Tools service will launch in Indonesia in early December, while the remaining phones are due in the first half of 2010. When they do arrive, the Nokia 1280, Nokia 1616 and Nokia 1800 will be priced at the equivalent of $30, $36 and $39, respectively. The Nokia 2220 slide will cost $67, while the Nokia 2690 will be priced at $80. These prices don't require a contract.