Nokia (NYSE: NOK) is laying off 220 research and development employees in Japan, representing 1 percent of the division globally. Nokia said it will continue to work with Japanese manufacturers, which play a critical role in its supply-chain strategy. The company explained that the layoffs are part of the company’s global efforts to align its development efforts with plans for future products. The announcement will not affect Nokia Siemens in Japan, or Vertu, Nokia’s luxury line of cellphones there. Release.

Separately, Nokia unveiled two new 3G sliders, the Nokia 6700 and Nokia 7230. Both phones are expected to become available in the first quarter of 2010, will cost EUR 160 and EUR 100, respectively. Release.