Europe : "For Nokia, winning the iF product design award affirms Nokia's competence in design," says Eero Miettinen, Design Director, Nokia. "The iF product design award candidates present impressive diversity and quantity of well-designed products, and we are proud to receive recognition in this well-known competition."

The Nokia 2650 phone, targeting consumers in the new growth markets, was recognized for its compact and sophisticated design, which is based on the aesthetic attributes of simplicity, balance and symmetry. This affordable fold phone also impressed by its ingeniously simple and unique mechanical solution, insuring a beautifully continuous contour, both in the open and closed positions.

The jury also praised the Nokia Fashion Collection, consisting of the Nokia 7280, Nokia 7270 and Nokia 7260 phones, combining art deco inspiration with the latest trends from the catwalks of Paris and Milan. The Fashion Collection products emphasize the strong colors of the glamorous art deco era. An innovation of the Nokia 7280 is the lack of a traditional keypad, and the rich feature set also includes an integrated camera and a wide range of data transfer opportunities. The Nokia 7270 fold phone was recognized for its stainless steel design with etched graphics. The Nokia 7260 in turn, was seen distinguished by its materials, graphic design and colours.

The third category of Nokia products that received an award represents the highest end of technology: the Nokia 6630 imaging smartphone and the Nokia Video Call Stand.

The Nokia Video Call Stand is a compact solution allowing handsfree, face-to-face discussions over distance. Once the Nokia 6630 smartphone is placed in the Video Call Stand, the functionality is automatic and enables people to make video calls over 3G networks. The Nokia 6630 received recognition for its discrete, yet inspirational design, which focuses on a natural and intuitive interface. Its steady, round shape offers a friendly form for handgrip, whether held vertically or horizontally. The Nokia Video Call Stand was rewarded for its stability and convenience to use as well as high portability due to its small and foldable design. Together the two products make the promise of new 3G technology a reality.

The international jury, composed of top international designers, made its selections on the basis of various criteria, including design quality, workmanship, materials, innovation, and functionality, among others. This year a total of 2,322 entries from all over the world were submitted for the iF product design awards competition, proving a growing international awareness of design.

The iF design award, staged since 1954, is one of the best-known and most prestigious design contests worldwide, attracting over 1,800 entries from more than 30 different countries every year. The iF quality seal has become a worldwide brand with high recognition value, guaranteeing the latest design trends.