Nokia has launched a new range of mobile applications and content tailored for the holy month of Ramadan.

The new range of Ramadan applications 2010 are available on Ovi Store, while the updated mobile applications can now be downloaded on compatible Nokia devices for free from Nokia’s Ovi Store, a statement said.

“The overwhelming response and feedback that we received from last year’s offering and the number of downloads that exceeded a million, allowed us to improve and expand this year’s application offering,” said Karim Moussa, head of marketing, Nokia Lower Gulf.

“Nokia users have now a single and easy access to many of the cherished experiences that Muslims like to be close to, and keep them connected to the Holy Month. The applications this year also support a wider range of devices including both touch and non-touch Nokia devices, and are available in more languages,” he added.

This year’s Ramadan applications include the Holy Quran, Prayer Times, Hadith, Boyoot Allah, Arabica, Mozzaker, and Makkah and Madinah.

New features include Quran recitation from multiple reciters from which users can choose to download in MP3 format. Prayer timings and Qibla direction are provided for 1000 cities in 200 countries, along with the ability to add, remove, update and edit any location using the GPS, the statement said.

The new Boyot Allah helps Muslims to locate the nearest mosque on Nokia’s free Ovi Maps and Navigation platform.

The new mobile services also feature locations of major mosques in the GCC and the world, such as the two holy mosques, Masjid Al Haram in Makkah and Masjid Al Nabawi in Al Madinah. Additionally, users can also find locations of mosques all around the world using free Ovi maps available on Ovi store, according to the statement.

“This is a region that is greatly important to us and we have committed to ensuring that we tailor solutions that meet the local needs,” Moussa said.

“Ramadan applications for 2010 are free and offer a variety of content from a range of global and local content providers ready to be downloaded for the widest range of devices,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service