Submitted by Mike Grenville on Wed, 27 Aug 2003 15:59

The new Nokia 2300 launched today is the first Nokia phone to enable users to filter out junk text messages from unwanted numbers.

The new SMS blocking feature within the handset recognises the need for more control by users over the messages they receive. As well as being able to block repeated spam from the same source, it will also be a boon to the increasing number of kids pestered with text messages from playground bullies.

The new entry level phone, launched at events in Moscow, Russia, and New Delhi, India, operates on GSM 900/1800 networks, is planned to be available in Asia Pacific markets during the 4th quarter of 2003, and for Europe, Africa and Middle-East during the 1st quarter of 2004.

The new Nokia 2300 offers a number of other features new to Nokia phones such as ways to help users monitor their mobile usage such as an in-call timer for checking the duration of a call, as well as an SMS counter to keep track of the number of text messages sent or received. Other messaging features include concatenated text messages, picture messaging and SMS chat.

Other features of the Nokia 2300 will be an alarm clock, a calculator, an FM radio and an internal hands-free speaker for group communication. A dual-earpiece headset will be included in the sales package, allowing users to listen to the radio or make hands-free calls on the go. Also in the Nokia 2300, a new 4-way scroll with a Navi key lets users right scroll to reach shortcuts to menus or options lists. It also offers users a range of Xpress-on cover options, as well as built-in polyphonic ring tones, an FM radio, and several embedded games.