Nokia 6680 & Orange TV 'launch' Tuesday 24th May

[Ben]

As we have heard, Orange will be releasing the Orange TV product to coincide with the launch of the Nokia 6680 imaging smartphone this week.

The combo will offer 9 channels initially, and will only be available on the Nokia 6680. While more handsets are promised, it is not yet clear whether a version of the Orange TV application will be available for the existing Orange 3G smartphone, the Nokia 6630. Although very similar, the Nokia 6630 has a different screen - something that may require different software.

The Orange Media Centre have revealed that Orange hopes to launch Orange TV and the Nokia 6680 handset onto the network tomorrow. As has already been discussed, it is expected that handsets will not be available in many stores until either Wednesday or Friday to coincide with shipments. Whether the handset will be orderable from the Orange website and Orange direct tomorrow is yet to be seen, but likely.

Providing the Orange TV application is put live on the network tomorrrow I hope to have more details about how it performs for you on the evening. £10 buys a user 20 hours of viewing (via 1GB of data transfer). New customers will be able to enjoy Orange TV free for 3 months via the inclusive 1GB 'Try' bundle.

Edit: Nothing yet! (~11am)
Edit: Several sources now suggest Orange are selling what stocks of the 6680 they have. Upgrades/direct sales may also sell you the handset. It looks like the handset has now launched, though there is no sign of OTV on my unbranded one. Please post further information if you acquire a handset. (~12:30pm)