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Nokia has released a new service that allows printing of photos from the N-Series mobile range. A downloadable application is required that provides an interface to select and send photos for processing. The entire process is completed from the handset with payment options including credit card.

The service is actually a result of an agreement with German based CeWe Color who has 3,000 employees and develops 3 billion prints per annum. CeWe Color not only prints photos, but also develops products to make it easier for consumers to send their prints for development. The agreement with Nokia is an example of this. In addition, CeWe color has made an agreement with Microsoft to enable similar functionality to order prints directly from the Vista platform.

Similar services already exist with Kodak, Orange UK, Verizon, Cingular, Sprint and ALLTEL. None are as good as the Nokia offering, as they either require additional steps when placing orders, or they requiring ongoing monthly fees.

Both the Kodak and Orange UK services require users to send their photos from their mobile to a website, and then complete the order process online. This two step process is a significant drawback when compared to the Nokia offering.

Fuji powers a service offered by Cingular, Sprint and ALLTEL (ALLTEL also offers a Kodak service - above, and snapfish - below). These services also require completion online, and in addition a monthly carrier service charge of up to US$3.99 per month!

The snapfish powered Verizon and ALLTEL services also require monthly fees of up to US$4.49 per month! but without the second step requirement of completing the order online.

The Nokia service is reasonably priced compared to its competitors with prints starting at £ 0.08 (US$0.16) with £ 1.69 (US$3.3 delivery. No monthly charges apply, and the entire process can be completed from a handset. Currently there is an offer to get the first 10 prints free of charge.

It should be noted that all services require data transfers, and as such data charges will depend on the service plan with your carrier.

Richard T.