[Updated May 16] — Nokia will announce on May 16 that future versions of its 770 Intenet Tablet will come preloaded with Google Talk, a free, Internet-based voice communications service, the Wall Street Journal reports. Google Talk offers both instant text messaging and real-time voice communications capabilities, and supports open federation with service providers that support the industry standard XMPP protocol, according to Google.

Nokia debuted the compact, handheld Linux-powered 770 Internet Tablet at LinuxWorld in New York last fall. The device offers convenient Internet browsing and email through built-in WiFi, or via a Bluetooth connection to a compatible mobile phone. It boasts a 4.3-inch, 800 x 480 pixel touch-screen, plus integrated WiFi, Bluetooth, and a reduced-size MMC (RS-MMC) card slot.

Although positioned as an “Internet tablet,” the 770 has much wider applicability. Bundled software currently includes: web browser, email client, Internet radio, news reader, media players, image viewer, file manager, search, calculator, world clock, PDF-viewer, notes, sketch, and games. Additionally, a broad and growing range of software can be downloaded and installed onto the device from the 770's Maemo.org community website.

Last December, Ari Jaaksi, Nokia's director of open source software operations, told LinuxDevices.com that he expected the next official software release to arrive in the spring of 2006. The new release would bring support for VoIP (voice-over-IP) and Internet messaging, he said, noting that Nokia was committed to the 770, and would continue to release firmware upgrades for it on an ongoing basis. “The Internet evolves, hence must the platform,” Jaaski added.

Jaaski also said, in December, that support for Bluetooth headsets might not be ready in time for the spring 2006 firmware update that would include VoIP and Internet messaging. This was due, in part, to the fact that Nokia's engineers were mainly focused on porting fundamental VoIP technologies, such as echo concellation and audio enhancement, from Nokia's proprietary phone OS, he explained.

The 770 tablet has stereo speakers and a 1/8th inch headphones jack, along with a small built-in microphone located on the bottom edge. The new release will have drivers to support audio input, potentially enabling a variety of audio applications in addition to VoIP. It may also support Bluetooth headsets, which would allow for less awkward use as a phone, given that the microphone and speakers are not placed conveniently for such use.

The Nokia 770 Internet Tablet is currently shipping, and can be ordered online directly from Nokia. The device is priced around $350.

For further details on the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet, refer to our detailed device profile.

Story updated May 16 to correct errors related to the 770's headset jack.

 
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