The website of Alex Kinch, live from London
Posts tagged nokia
Nokia unveil three new handsets
Jun 15th
Nokia have today unveiled three new handsets – the touch screen 5530 ‘XpressMusic’, the E72 QWERTY business handset, and the flip-style 3710 fold.
Nokia 5530 XpressMusic
Nokia 5530 XpressMusic
Following on from the 5800 XpressMusic device, the 5530 (right) is, like its predecessor, a music and media-orientated touch screen handset. Supporting GSM/EDGE networks, Wi-Fi – but not, disappointingly, 3G, you get up to 27 hours of music playback time, a 4 GB memnory card and a rather nifty 2.9 inch widescreen touch display.
Sporting direct access to popular social media sites such as Facebook and MySpace, the device also has a ‘people carousel’ feature, which gives you easy access to the latest updates (phone calls, emails, photos, social media statuses) of up to 20 people. There’s also integrated media sharing on the device, with services such as Ovi Share, Flickr and VOX just a few clicks away.
Shipping in Q3 2009, the 5530 is expected to sell at EUR 199 before taxes and operator subsidies.
Nokia E72
Nokia E72
From music to email, and pleasure to business, next we turn our attention to the E72 (pictured left). Building on the success of the E71 – Nokia’s best selling QWERTY device to date, Nokia have taken the best bits from the E71, some other features from the E75, and thrown in a few upgrades like a 5-megapixel camera, 3.5mm headphone jack and a new optical navigation key.
In addition to these developments Nokia have also integrated instant messaging direct into the home screen. The E72 supports Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk and Ovi (amongst others) straight out the box, using Nokia’s Messaging service. There’s also onboard clients for Microsoft Exchange and IBM Lotus Notes, plus improved on-device email setup for popular personal mail services like Yahoo! Mail, Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail and others.
The Nokia E72 is expected to begin shipping late in the third quarter of 2009 at an estimated retail price of EUR 350 before taxes and subsidies.
Nokia 3710
Nokia 3710 fold
Last – but by no means least – there’s the Nokia 3710 fold (right). A flip-phone device, the 3710 has all the basic features you’d expect from a mobile. Sporting a 3.2 megapixel camera, Ovi photo sharing, and an on-board GPS, Nokia claim the handset “boasts extreme simplicity without compromising functionality”.
And that’s about it really – a basic handset with an average camera – with satnav thrown in for good measure. Designed more for looks than features, the fold is firmly aimed at the younger ‘style-conscious’ audience, and comes in a fetching pink finish. Expected retail price is EUR 140 before taxes and subsidies when it ships in Q4 2009.
MTS and Nokia Enter Strategic Partnership
Jun 5th
Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (“MTS” – NYSE: MBT), the largest mobile phone operator in Russia and the CIS, and Nokia signed the memorandum of understanding on the direct delivery of Nokia devices to MTS’ retail network. The first joint project of the two companies will be the priority sales launch of Nokia N97, Nokia’s flagship mobile computer, equipped with exclusive software from MTS.
The agreement signed by MTS and Nokia at the 2009 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum provides for the direct supply of Nokia products to MTS’ retail network, joint marketing campaigns to promote Nokia’s handsets and a special training program for MTS’ retail employees.
“This partnership agreement with Nokia is a milestone in our development of the MTS proprietary retail network. Teaming up with the world’s leading maker of mobile devices will allow us to further differentiate MTS’ retail network by matching cutting-edge products with tariff plans to enhance customer experience and spur the growth of data usage by our subscribers,” noted Mr. Mikhail Shamolin, President and CEO of MTS.
“Nokia N97 is the flagship product which has no analogues in the world. For the first time in Russia, Nokia is launching such an important device in partnership with the largest mobile phone operator, MTS. Together with MTS, we have developed applications and widgets tailored to the Russian users,” noted Mr. Niels Nielsen, Director-General of Nokia in Russia. “The primary difference of N97 from the currently available smartphones is not just the availability of touch display and QWERTY keyboard on one device, but the fact that it is a mobile computer with a range of applications that allow individual customization of the handset.”
MTS has developed a number of branded applications for Nokia N97 aimed at business users that will be distributed on a free 2 GB micro-SD memory card. The sales of Nokia N97 will start on June 17 in all MTS stores in Moscow and in the flagship Nokia store. By the end of the month, the device will become available to subscribers of all mobile operators through the MTS retail network in Russia and the 30 Nokia stores in the largest Russian cities.
Nokia Mobile Email launches with Saunalahti in Finland
May 28th
Saunalahti, the consumer brand of Elisa, have announced plans to launch the Nokia Messaging push email service to consumers across Finland.
With Nokia Messaging, Saunalahti customers will be able to enjoy a seamless and real-time email experience at an affordable price on their mobile devices. Already collaborating to bring Ovi services to mobile devices, today’s announcement further extends the strategic alliance between Elisa and Nokia to whet consumers’ growing appetite for more multimedia services and applications. Elisa is the first Finnish operator to launch Nokia Messaging in Finland.
“Nokia Messaging is easy to use, and brings the most frequently used functions right upfront so that users have a comfortable mobile email experience on their devices. With a fixed monthly fee, consumers no longer need to be tethered to their PCs, but can get access to their mailboxes anytime, anywhere – even when they are at their summer cottages,” said Mr Panu Lehti, Product Manager, Elisa.
Nokia Messaging is expected to launch in Finland to Saunalahti subscribers in June 2009 at a price of 4.95 EUR per month. The monthly fee includes the Nokia Messaging service, a 4GB mailbox, and unlimited email data usage within Finland.
“Our goal is to make mobile email as accessible and easy to use as voice calls or text messaging, enabling consumers to walk out of the stores with their email accounts already set up and running,” said Mauri Pietikainen, Nokia’s Country Manager for Finland. “Mobile email, coupled with our other services, makes our devices more compelling and relevant to consumers. With Saunalahti’s very attractive data plan and bundle, consumers will no longer face ‘bill shock’, and will be able to enjoy a rich email experience on their devices no matter where they are, and at their convenience.”
Nokia Messaging mobilizes email accounts from Elisa and Saunalahti, as well as email solutions from thousands of internet service providers (ISPs) and email service providers (ESPs) around the world on Nokia devices. Consumers can access up to ten personal email accounts on one single device. To mobilise their email account, all users have to enter are their email address and password, and emails are seamlessly pushed to their device. Nokia Messaging also makes it simple to read, send, forward and reply to emails, download and read attachments, and attach files to emails directly on their Nokia device.
Nokia Messaging can be downloaded and setup on a wide range of devices, and will also be preloaded in new Nokia S60 devices, including the Nokia E75.
More information about the Nokia Messaging mobile email service is available from http://saunalahti.fi.
Nokia unveils three new low-end handsets
May 18th
Nokia 2730
Aimed squarely at the emerging markets, Nokia have just unveiled three new low-end handsets – the Nokia 2730 classic, Nokia 2720 fold and Nokia 7020.
The trio of handsets all come with the ability to access the mobile ‘net – with the 2730 classic sporting 3G for faster access – and all three look like they’ll retail at under €99 (before operator subsidy) when they become available later in the year.
Nokia 7020
Glancing through the specs quickly, first up is the aforementioned 3G-enabled 2730 classic (pictured, left). In a nutshell it’s a 3G-enabled basic browsing handset – don’t expect much else – although you do get a 2 megapixel camera and the usual basic phone features for your €80.
Next is the 2720 fold. A flip phone with ‘exciting mirror-effect design’, it’ll be around €55 and available from Q3, and sports easy access to email, calendar, Internet connectivity and file sharing applications. Email can be activated by completing a simple three step set-up process, and in select markets will be offered with Nokia Life Tools.
Last but not least is the 7020 (pictured, right), described by Nokia as “a fashionable fold phone that uses light, color and metal finishes to convey personal style, you will never miss a thing with the stardust effect when you get a call or message, or tap twice to have the cover light up”. Nokia have thrown a 2-megapixel camera into the mix as well for your estimated €90 before subsidies and taxes. Oh, and it’s pink.
Nokia E71x launches on A&T
May 4th
Nokia announced that the slimmest smartphone on the market, the Nokia E71x, will be available in AT&T retail stores and online beginning today. Priced at just $99.99, this much-anticipated full QWERTY smartphone arrives at a time when one in two people surveyed say they would prefer to communicate via text message or email over phone calls.
“The trend for messaging, whether email, IM, texting or social networking, is stronger than ever – we are seeing a real shift in the way people prefer to communicate,” says David Petts, Vice President and General Manager, AT&T Account, Nokia. “The E71x is one of the most stylish and sophisticated QWERTY smartphones on the market, and it’s the ideal companion for people who enjoy easy messaging and connecting with their friends. We are thrilled to now bring this sleek smartphone to people across the United States with AT&T.”
In a recent survey conducted with 500 American adults aged 18 and above, 52 percent said they would prefer to use texting or emailing if they had to use only one communication method for two weeks. The option of only making voice calls for two weeks trailed behind at 40 percent, according to the people surveyed. The survey, commissioned by Nokia, looked at the way people use messaging and social networking on their mobile devices.
The results revealed that both texting and social networking from the mobile device are playing a part in the romantic side of life. More than one in four, or 26 percent, have made plans for seeing a special someone via social networking on their mobile, and 64 percent have made plans for a date via text messaging. Additionally, 32 percent of those surveyed have responded to a text message during a romantic dinner, and more than one in ten, or 11 percent, have actually interrupted a romantic engagement or dinner to respond to a social networking message. The same percentage of people say they have ended a romantic relationship via text, and seven percent have ended a relationship via social networking from their mobile.
Nearly three in four people, or 69 percent, said they send text messages at least once a day. What they use it for is revealing – nearly one in three, or 29 percent, say it is acceptable to tell friends/family they just got laid off via text message and one in ten would “call” in sick to work via text messaging.
In fact, actual behavior trumps intended behavior – 13 percent have called in sick to work via text. An additional 12 percent of respondents say they actually have spread news of their lay off to friends/family via texting. According to the survey, people are also using messaging and social networking to stay ahead in a tough economy. Eleven percent said they have secured a business deal via text and 6 percent have successfully used social networking to nab new business.
“Cutting-edge smartphones like the E71x are a huge hit with our customers who see their mobile phone as a hub for their digital lives,” said Michael Woodward, vice president, Mobile Phone Portfolio, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “Our customers rely on smartphones to stay connected using e-mail, text messaging, and social networks. The E71x is ideal for that.”
The thinnest QWERTY smartphone on the market, the Nokia E71x, has high-speed 3G connectivity, WiFi, and features a built-in music player and a 3.2 megapixel auto-focus camera to connect people to their passions -be it messaging, social networking, listening to music, taking and sharing images or even navigating to a date or job interview with AT&T Navigator.
The Nokia E71x is available from AT&T stores and online from http://www.wireless.att.com at a retail price of USD 99.99 with a contract and mail-in-rebate. Additional information is available from http://www.att.com/nokiaE71x .
Mobile phone sales plummet in 2009, but Apple bucks the trend
Apr 30th
With the recent gloomy financial results from Nokia, Sony Ericsson and Motorola, the news that phone sales have plummeted by 13% in the first quarter of 2009 was to be expected. However, Apple has continued to buck the trend with strong sales of it’s iPhone handset.
Research firm Strategy Analytics have reported all five of the biggest mobile phone manufacturers had seen drops in sales, with the number of phones shipped worldwide in the first three months of this year dropping to 245 million units.
The only positive gain in the sector was unsurprisingly the iPhone, with Apple gaining 123% rise in sales. That compared to Nokia sales dropping 19%, Sony Ericsson 40%, and Motorola a whopping 46%.
Motorola’s sales fell 46% to 14.7 million units, and Sony Ericsson shipped 14.5 million handsets, down 40% from the first quarter of 2008. Samsung and LG faired a little better, with sales falling 1% and 7% respectively.
Nokia N97 to hit the UK in July on Vodafone
Apr 19th
Ooh. Aah. Mmm. Want want want.
Yes folks, the Nokia N97 is hitting the UK in July, and Vodafone are already taking down names for the ‘I want one’ list.
It’s got a touch screen, a neat looking slide out keyboard, 32GB of built-in memory (you can add another 16GB via a memory card), and a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics. Or in Vodafone speak, it’s now a 5.0 megapixel and over. Quite what the ‘over’ bit means, I’m not sure. And 5.0? That’s so web 2.0.
Anyway, the rest of the usual features are in there – GPS, HSDPA, WiFI, Quadband radio, and an alarm clock (which, incidently is one of my top five used features on my E71).
Hit this link to register your interest. No details on price as yet, but I’m sure if you sell your soul on a 24 month contract and talk so much you’d actually use those zillion minutes a month they’ll give it away for nowt. And until July, here’s a picture you can cut out and pop in your wallet.
Sony Ericsson posts £260m loss, cuts 2000 jobs
Apr 17th
A day after Nokia posted a 90% drop in profits for Q1 2009, it’s the turn of Sony Ericsson to dish out the bad news.
Sky News is reporting the joint venture made a £260m loss in the first quarter of 2009, and plans to cut another 2,000 jobs. This compares to a £165m loss in the fourth quarter of last year.
In a statement, the company said: “The additional cost saving program announced today will include a further reduction in the global workforce of approximately 2,000 people.”
Nokia first quarter results look gloomy
Apr 16th
Nokia quietly slid a press release announcing their results for Q1 2009 out onto the news wires about half an hour ago – and to be honest it’s not great reading.
Sales across the group are down 27% year on year to €9.3 billion, with devices and services taking a 33% year on year hit down to €6.2 billion. In the first three months of 2009 they shipped 93.2 million mobile devices, down 19% year on year, and estimated market share at 37% (compared to 39% for the first quarter of 2008, but unchanged from Q4 2008).
Still, there is a little piece of good news amongst all the doom and gloom. The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic smartphone shipped 2.6 million units, bringing the total figure to more than 3 million since launch in late November 2008. In addition, net sales of €150m, up 79% year on year.
In a statement, Nokia’s CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo said: “In what has been an exceptionally tough environment, we continue to invest in a focused manner in consumer Internet services delivered across our broad portfolio of mobile devices. Combined, these solutions will drive our future growth. As an example in Q1, I am especially pleased with the performance of our first mass market touch product, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. Together with Comes With Music, it is a great example of Nokia providing solutions that consumers value.
“Regarding the health of the overall mobile device market, the inventory already in the sales channels decreased substantially during Q1 due to extensive destocking by operators and distributors. This adversely impacted our sales volumes in the quarter. However, it has also resulted in the demand picture becoming more predictable as we enter the second quarter.”
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