The new Nokia N79 multimedia smartphone is both lighter and more capable than its predecessor, the N78

Nokia today unveiled the Nokia N79 candybar multimedia smartphone, which joins the Nokia N85 as the latest additions to the Nokia Nseries range. The Nokia N79 offers a full range of multimedia capabilities, including integrated navigation, music with FM transmitter, high-speed connectivity, web browsing and a 5-megapixel camera.

Aimed at style conscious users who don't want to compromise on functionality, the Nokia N79 comes with Xpress-on smart covers that are available in five colors: Light Sea Blue, Espresso Brown, Olive Green, White and Coral red. A combination of three of these comes with each Nokia N79.

The Nokia N79 sports a 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, though the lens is slightly less capable than the one found in camera phones such as thesony ericsson c905 and the nokia N82. Still, the Nokia N79 offers a range of camera features such as autofocus, dual LED flash and VGA video recording. Images can also be geotagged to specific locations. The Nokia N79 comes packaged with a 4GB microSD card, and a sliding lens cover helps protect the lens when not in use.

A Friendster widget will also be made available for the Nokia N79 via the WidSets service. This will allow users to browse Friendster friends' profiles, view and post shoutouts, upload pictures taken with their handset, and browse their own and friends' photo albums. Furthermore, the Nokia N79 will offer the Nokia Download! store, which offers third party entertainment content, the latest in mobile gaming and dynamic applications (widgets).

Nokia Maps lets users explore and navigate new surroundings by accessing more than 15 million points of interest (POI). Built-in AGPS providing turn-by-turn navigation comes with a three month integrated license on the Nokia N79.

The convergence of photos, music and navigation in the Nokia N79 is combined with high-speed 3.5G HSDPA and Wi-Fi. Additionally, the Nokia N79 features the Nokia Mini Map browser, Bluetooth 2.0, TV out (video cable sold separately), and DLNA support.

The Nokia N79 boasts a 2.4" screen, a talk time up to 3.5 hours and operates on Quadband GSM and HSDPA networks. The phone measures 4.3 by 1.93 by 0.59 inches and weighs 3.42 ounces, making it slightly lighter yet more capable than the Nokia N78. Compare the two smartphones here.

The Nokia N79 is expected to hit European store shelves in October 2008 for 350 euro, while it should appear in the U.S. in November 2008 for approximately $500.