When you're going to be interviewed about the mobile device industry, there's a very good chance you'll be asked about the hot-selling iPhone. Nokia's president and CEO, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, didn't wait for the question.

"I'm the first one to note, before being asked, that Apple made a big favor to this industry to show the U.S. and other consumers that this can be very exciting," Kallasvuo said shortly after the start of last night's Churchill Club event in Santa Clara, CA, where he was the featured speaker.

Later, moderator and Forbes magazine publisher Rich Karlgaard, asked Kallasvuo if he specifically liked the iPhone.

"Whether I like it or not, I definitely admire the people who make it happen," Kallasvuo said. "I give Apple a lot of credit and thank Apple. They have done a service to the community. We have a credible competitor."

"For the time being, they're a niche player globally, but I need to take my hat off to them. It's well done. We need to be able to respond."

Part of that response is expected today in London, where Nokia (NYSE: NOK) is set to unveil its own touchscreen-based smartphone, called "Tube".

Click here for the rest of this story at InternetNews.com.