Nokia recently released its most recent update to the operating system of its internet device N800, bringing improvements to the OS and bringing in new applications and capabilities to the device. For those who are just tuning in, N800 is an Internet tablet device that runs Linux. It contains internet applications like the opera browser (of course), an RSS Reader, multimedia and other applications. And since its based on Linux, there are many apps built for this platform that has been modified to work with the nokia device. It primarily uses wifi for its internet connectivity but it can also pair with an internet-capable Bluetooth device and connect to the internet through that.

The upgrade includes the inclusion of Flash version 9 plug-in to the web browser, support for up to 8GB of memory cards, better battery performance, improved sensitivity of the touch screen, and the most awaited upgrade of all: the arrival of the skype client to the nokia internet device.

The nokia table has now an excellent VOIP support that will let its users make voice calls, filling in the gap of the missing true phone capability. Two other VOIP client applications are already in the device before the upgrade: a Google Talk client as well as a client for the Gizmo project, a SIPphone VOIP product. However, Skype, the one VOIP application that’s most popular to the VOIP crowd has been missing, until now.

The role that Skype plays in Nokia’s internet devices is really important because the VOIP product already has a huge market (and mind) share. If the idea of a light internet tablet device should take off, support for Skype with its enormous user base and the healthy business ecosystem that surrounds it (skype wifi phones headsets, and other accessories) would be one of the elements for that success. In fact consumers and industry watchers alike has been waiting for the arrival of the skype client to the device.

As wireless access to the internet becomes more prevalent, VOIP in mobile devices such as the N800 would continue to gain momentum and believers / users. WiMax is showing a lot of promise for a much wider wireless internet access coverage and it should bring up exciting possibilities for VOIP on handheld and mobile devices.

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