Such is the bad press Nokia receives in the US that it's a surprise for many that the Finnish firm remains the world's largest mobile manufacturer by volume.

Yet that hasn't stopped the media billing the forthcoming launches of the N8 and E7 as a defining moment for the giant - the first genuine response by Nokia to iPhone's debut back in 2007.

The big day is apparently drawing near, with Reuters reporting Nokia will officially launch each device at its annual Nokia World event in London on September 14.

While the N8 has already gained plenty of attention – its 12 megapixel camera, HDMI out and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound technology generating headlines aplenty back in the summer.

Comparatively little is known about the keyboard equipped E7, however, although it's expected it will run the latest version of Symbian OS, like the N8.

Future focus

Indeed, crucial to the success of both phones will be their implementation of Symbian^3. The launch of the OS also seen by many as central to the software firm's future as it fights to maintain share against the likes of Android, bada, Windows Phone 7 and Nokia's own MeeGo in the coming years.

It's likely the focus will remain on Nokia however, with many developers already questioning the value in supporting the firm's new line up.

Back in June, Twitter client Gravity creator Jan Ole Suhr suggested many studios were planning to stay away from supporting the N8, due to concerns regarding just how long it'd be on the shelves.

"It's difficult for small developers to invest in the smartphone segment of Nokia when nobody knows its future," concluded Suhr.

[source: Reuters]