Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) has unveiled its first smartphone based on version three of the operating system from Symbian Foundation , the N8, which appears to be a rival for the iPhone and the very latest crop of Android phones. Features include extensive support for 3G GSM worldwide, 802.11n WiFi, and a 12-megapixel camera. The N8 is expected to be launched in “select markets” in the third quarter for $490 without a contract.Here’s an official video from Nokia running down the features:



Nomura Securities analyst Richard Windsor, however, says that the move to Symbian 3 may be less important for Nokia than the change-over to Symbian 4, which is expected in 2011. “The reality is that Symbian 3 is a big upgrade when it comes to low-level software that does not affect the user interface with Symbian 4 being having the big upgrades to the user experience,” the analyst writes in a note on Nokia.

“This has been badly communicated as it implies that the company still does not really understand that it’s all about the user experience. It seems to choose to place greater urgency on low-level stuff that users won’t care about or... pay for.”

Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) appears to have dropped plans to make a CDMA-based Nexus One phone for Verizon Wireless . “In the US, if you’ve been waiting for the Nexus One for Verizon Wireless’ network, head over... to pre-order the Droid Incredible by HTC, a powerful new Android phone and a cousin of the Nexus One that is similarly feature-packed,” the firm writes on its official blog. The search giant is also planning to sell its first own-brand phone in Europe through Vodafone Group plc (NYSE: VOD) rather than direct to the customer over the Web. (See Google Leans on Vodafone in Europe.)

BlackBerry has a couple of small new 3G Pearls, our sister publication Information Week reports. The Canadian Blackberry maker announced the Pearl 3G 9100 and 9105 at its 2010 Wireless Enterprise Symposium (WES) event in Orlando, Fla., on Monday. The new models are the smallest yet offered by RIM at less than two inches wide and weighing in at 3.3 ounces each.

Sprint Corp. (NYSE: S) isn’t saying exactly when it will launch the High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC) (Taiwan: 2498) EVO 4G WiMax smartphone yet. It will have the device on hand, however, to showcase its multimedia capabilities on May 12 at an evening event in New York City. LR Mobile will be there to sniff out any news. (See Sprint Pins Hopes on WiMax Phone.)

Wired says that pre-ordered 3G iPads are now shipping in the US. (See 3G iPad Hits US Stores on April 30.)

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— Dan Jones, Site Editor, Light Reading Mobile