In a move that surprised everyone, Nokia's new smartphone isn't a Windows Phone 7 device but a return to the MeeGo. At the Nokia Connection event in Singapore the new N9 smartphone proudly sported the MeeGo OS and not Windows.

Nokia was widely expected to reveal its Windows Phone 7 device since the flagging phone company has partnered with Windows in an effort to gain back its footing in the smartphone wars. Nokia has been battered by both Apple and Android phones in the market with its shares dropping and the Symbian's design deemed too simple by the younger users.

The newest N9 smartphone seems to be a back to basics effort for the Finnish company. The last time the MeeGo was successful was back when it was called the Maemo 5 and it was in the N900. The phone was one of the main draws of Nokia with its QWERTY keyboard and its ability to consolidate contacts and notifications before Apple and Windows.

The N9 will have a 3.9 inch screen made from tough Gorilla Glass and a single polycarbon case that stays the same color even if its scratched. The new phone will also support the Maps service and is in 3D. There's a built-in NFC that allows users to play whatever music is playing on the phone.

But perhaps the most intriguing feature of the N9 is in its simple swiping. Swipe from anywhere in the N9 screen and the user will get taken back to the home page. The first screen from the home page will get users to Applications, the next swipe to events and notifications and the last screen will get to the user's open applications. That's it, no fuss, no mess.

Nokia hasn't given up on the Windows Phone 7 though as the first WP7 will be available next year. The N9 will soon be available in Australia by September at the latest and will cost around $700 for a 16 GB version with up to a 64 GB version available.