Nokia to open Music Store in South Africa February 10, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Ireland, Nokia, South Africa, UAE.Tags: Ireland, Nokia, South Africa, UAE
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Nokia has announced its intention to bring the Nokia Music Store to South Africa. The store, which will open its doors on 24 April, promises to make millions of digital tracks available to local consumers. The store will feature a broad range of genres including popular and non-mainstream genres, independent artists and a wide selection of South African artists. In addition, the Nokia Music Store will offer a host of interactive features such as music browsing and personal track recommendations. South African users will be able to access the Nokia Music Store via their personal computer or directly from Nokia devices including the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, Nokia N96, Nokia N95 8GB, Nokia N81 8GB, Nokia N82 and the Nokia N79. All music on the Nokia Music Store can be purchased through a variety of payment options, including credit cards and prepaid vouchers. South Africa is the 12th country to see a local launch of the Nokia Music Store. Most recently the store was launched in Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.
Sales of Smartphones to Reach 300m by 2013 February 3, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Juniper Research, Nokia, Smartphone, Web 2.0.Tags: Juniper Research, Nokia, Smartphone, Web 2.0
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High-end mobile handsets (so-called ‘smartphones’) are expected to account for a growing proportion of mobile phones sold each year, potentially sustaining the performance of key brands such as Nokia at a time of economic uncertainty. A new report from Juniper Research forecasts that, between 2008 and 2013, annual sales of smartphones will rise by 95% to over 300 million.
Underpinning Juniper’s forecast is the finding that a rising demand for complex Web 2.0-centric applications is broadening user appeal and expanding the overall market for ‘Smart’ devices. This key trend is not being lost on handset manufacturers, large and small alike, as they increasingly rely on sales of high-end devices to mass market users. Thanks to this change in focus, smartphones will increasingly become the basis for the next generation of mobile devices.
Apple gets 1% global market share February 2, 2009
Posted by aikservices in ABI Research, Apple, iPhone, LG, Mobile, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung.Tags: ABI Research, Apple, iPhone, LG, Mobile, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung
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According to data from a ABI Research study, iPhones now make up 1.1 percent of all cellphones, which is a boost from the 0.3 percent share the original iPhone held in 2007. It’s not much but it’s a start for Apple, which is still way off that number one spot. Of course, Nokia’s still dominates with 38.6 percent, Samsung holds second place with 16.2 percent. Meanwhile LG and Motorola share third place with 8.3 percent a piece.
Consumers Want Citywide Wi-Fi – And Are Willing to Pay for It January 30, 2009
Posted by aikservices in 3G, Google, iPhone, Mobile, Nokia, Telecom, UK, USA, Wi-Fi, Wireless.Tags: 3G, Google, iPhone, Mobile, Nokia, Telecom, UK, USA, Wi-Fi, Wireless
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A report commissioned by Wi-Fi application vendor, Devicescape has found that most respondents want citywide Wi-Fi (84%) and, surprisingly, many are willing to pay for it (56%) as they would a utility. The report also found that an overwhelming number of Wi-Fi users expect Wi-Fi while on the road (91%) and when traveling, the most-often used device for accessing Wi-Fi was the smartphone, such as an iPhone (vs. laptops). The overwhelming majority of smartphone users (81%) prefer using Wi-Fi over 3G for browsing Web sites, downloading data, Google searches and sending e-mail. Also, 86% of respondents want OEMs to build Wi-Fi into their handsets and 82% of respondents want the service provider to provide an overall 3G/Wi-Fi data package.Many of the statistics within the UK and mainland Europe were similar to the US, but one significant difference is that Nokia is the most used device tapping into Wi-Fi, more than laptops and iPhone users.
Nokia Q4 reports are grim, 2009 expectations lower January 27, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Financial, Mobile, Nokia, Telecom, Wireless.Tags: Financial, Mobile, Nokia, Telecom, Wireless
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Times are no doubt getting hard when companies like Nokia are reporting disheartening sales figures. The Finnish handset manufacturer posted sales of 12.67 billion euros, down from 19.5 million euros from the same period in 2007. Business revenue was down as well with a quarter on quarter slide of 26.9%. Those particular numbers has Nokia lowering its earnings expectations for 2009, and they are now expecting a 10% in 2009. A positive response was the company’s projection to maintain its market share in Q1, and expects to increase shares throughout the year.
The 5800 – A Good Foundation for Nokia Touch Screens January 27, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Android, iPhone, Mobile, Nokia, Smartphone, Telecom, Wireless.Tags: Android, iPhone, Mobile, Nokia, Smartphone, Telecom, Wireless
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Nokia’s first proper touch-screen handset will reach several key European markets in the next few days. As a significant milestone in the company’s strategy, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by its execution, which will provide a strong foundation on which to introduce further touch-enabled handsets. Nevertheless, the whole package needs some tweaks to put it on an even footing with the genre-defining iPhone and devices based on Google’s “people’s platform”, Android. A good launching point for Nokia touch screens with a touch of déjà vu.
Our road test of the 5800 XpressMusic over the past few weeks has provided some useful pointers as to Nokia’s relative strengths and weaknesses as it enters the touch-screen arena.
First off, and more important, the 5800’s S60 5th Edition platform (the first handset in the market running the software) is very stable, with not a single crash or hang yet experienced. This is unusual for high-tech handsets generally and especially when a vendor introduces a major technology update.
HTC’s Paul Ghent leaves manufacturer to join Palm January 22, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Apple, BlackBerry, HTC, Mobile, Nokia, Palm, Telecom, Wireless.Tags: Apple, BlackBerry, HTC, Mobile, Nokia, Palm, Telecom, Wireless
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HTC’s executive director for Europe, Paul Ghent, has left the company to join Palm as sales vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It comes as Palm launched its ‘Pre’ smartphone in a bid to take on Apple, HTC, BlackBerry and Nokia in the consumer smartphone market. Palm has been hatching plans to move beyond its ‘techy’ handheld IT professional devices with a consumer push in recent months.No permanent replacement for Ghent has been announced yet, but HTC’s Dave Catt will take on Ghent’s duties in the short term.Ghent was responsible for bringing HTC into the consumer market last year with devices like the Touch and Touch Diamond, as well as signing a deal with Brightpoint UK as an exclusive UK distributor.
HTC’s share of the global market doubled in 2008, after the manufacturer made the decision to move beyond making white label devices under operator brands to branching out with products under its own marque.The Pre is a touch-screen device with GPS, Wi-Fi and a slide-out full keyboard. No UK release date has yet been set.
Securitas to bring security services to Nokia handsets January 21, 2009
Posted by aikservices in GPS, Mobile, Nokia, SMS, Telecom, Wireless.Tags: GPS, Mobile, Nokia, SMS, Telecom, Wireless
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Nokia and security alarm service provider Securitas have signed a contract to introduce security services in Nokia mobile devices. Securitas Safe-2-Go initially offers four services. The Assist service enables the user to get connected to a Securitas alarm central which has information about who is connecting, where this user is located and which people related to the user need to be contacted. The Find service enables the user to get the current position on where friends are located. In the Zone service, user will receive an SMS if someone leaves or comes into a predefined area, like a school or a home. The Friends service gives an overview of where all friends are located. Securitas will be offering the services in all GPS-enabled phones based on the S60 platform. Securitas Safe-2-Go service is expected to be launched commercially during the first half in Sweden and in other European countries later this year.
US Patent Firms Seeks Ban on Imports of Nokia, HTC Mobile Phones January 20, 2009
Posted by aikservices in AMD, HTC, Mobile, Nokia, Palm, Panasonic, RIM, Telecom, USA, Wireless.Tags: AMD, HTC, Mobile, Nokia, Palm, Panasonic, RIM, Telecom, USA, Wireless
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Following a complaint late last year by patent holdings firm, Saxon Innovations, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic devices, including handheld wireless communications devices. The products at issue in this investigation are handheld devices such as smart phones, cellular telephones, and television remote controls.
The ITC has named Nokia, RIM, HTC, Palm, Panasonic and AVC Networks as affected by the investigation – which has the power to block the imports of products made by these firms.The Saxon Innovations patent portfolio is comprised of over 180 US patents covering technology that originated from AMD and its spin off Legerity.
Nokia adds open source option for Qt January 16, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Mobile, Nokia, Qt, Telecom, Wireless.Tags: Mobile, Nokia, Qt, Telecom, Wireless
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Nokia today announced that its Qt cross-platform User Interface (UI) and application framework for desktop and embedded platforms will be available under the Lesser General Public License (LGPL) version 2.1 license from the release of Qt 4.5, scheduled for March 2009. Previously, Qt has been made available to the open source community under the General Public License (GPL) license. In addition, Qt will now be available from the new domain, http://www.qtsoftware.com.
The move to LGPL licensing will provide open source and commercial developers with more permissive licensing than GPL and so increase flexibility for developers. In addition, Qt source code repositories will be made publicly available and will encourage contributions from desktop and embedded developer communities. With these changes, developers will be able to actively drive the evolution of the Qt framework.
Vodafone UK tests Babelgum mobile internet TV service January 14, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Mobile, Mobile TV, Nokia, Telecom, UK, Vodafone, Wireless.Tags: Mobile, Nokia, Telecom, UK, Vodafone, Wireless
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Web TV service Babelgum has launched a six-month trial of the Babelgum Mobile internet mobile TV service with Vodafone UK. This will allow Vodafone UK 3G contract customers with mobile internet bundles to access a range of video clips free of charge. The Babelgum Mobile application can be downloaded from the Vodafone live! portal and initially supports the Nokia N96, N95 and 6210 handsets.
Top Ten Selling Mobile Phones in 2008 January 14, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Apple, HTC, iPhone, Mobile, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Telecom, Wireless.Tags: Apple, HTC, iPhone, Mobile, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Telecom, Wireless
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The Swedish manufacturer of carrying cases for portable electronics, Krusell, has released their “Top 10”-list for 2008.
The list is based upon the number of pieces of model specific mobile- and smart phone cases that have been ordered from Krusell during 2008. Krusell’s list is unique due to the fact that it reflects the sales of phones on six continents and in more than 50 countries around the globe.
1. Apple iPhone
2. Nokia 3109
3. Nokia 6300
4. Nokia E51
5. HTC Diamond
6.Nokia N95 8GB
7.Sony Ericsson K800i
8. Sony Ericsson C702
9. Sony Ericsson K850i
10. Sony Ericsson K530i
LG Mobile to Invest CNY1bn in Chinese Market January 5, 2009
Posted by aikservices in China, LG Mobile, Mobile, Motorola, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Telecom, Wireless.Tags: China, LG Mobile, Mobile, Motorola, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Telecom, Wireless
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Under the financial crisis, global giants like Nokia Corporation, Motorola Inc., and Sony Ericsson either cut jobs or reduce payments, while LG Mobile announced on December 30, 2008, that CNY 1 billion would be poured into China in 2009, being the largest investment of the company since its foray into the country.When other counterparts view the financial crisis as a severe strike, LG Mobile takes it as an opportunity. The CNY 1 billion will be used for marketing and building sales channels. Besides, inputs will be injected into fields such as technology innovation, product research and development, human resources, advertising, publicizing, and pubic relations.
After the capital infusion, LG Mobile will launch 60 mobile phone models in China per year from 2009, including 35 GSM, 15 CDMA, and ten 3G. And the company will also partner with Chinese mobile phone distributors China PTAC Communications Services Co., Ltd., and Telling Telecom Holding Co., Ltd. , expanding its retail outlets from 7,000 to 13,000.A top executive of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company says LG Mobile hopes to lift up its Chinese market share to 5% to 10% in 2009, and become one the top five mobile phone makers. In the near future, the company aims to edge into the world’s top three.
Vodafone Loses $2 Billion Indian Tax Case December 5, 2008
Posted by aikservices in CDMA, GSM, Hutchisson, Mobile, Nokia, Vodafone, Wireless.Tags: Asia, Essar, Hutchison, India, Mobile, Vodafone, Wireless
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Vodafone has lost a significant tax bill in India after the Bombay High Court upheld a claim by the government for around US$2 billion following its purchase of a majority stake in Hutchison Essar. In a press statement, Vodafone said: “The written order of the court is awaited. However, the court has extended the stay order for eight weeks, preventing the tax authority from proceeding in the case. This will also allow time for Vodafone to review the grounds of the court’s decision, once the written order is received, and file an appeal in the Supreme Court of India.Vodafone, based on advice received, continues to believe that the transaction is not subject to tax in India and is confident of a positive outcome ultimately, it added.
Vodafone had paid US$11.2 billion for a 67 percent stake held by Hutch Telecommunications International in Indian GSM operator Hutchisson-Essar (now Vodafone Essar). Vodafone International Holdings BV, a company registered in the Netherlands, acquired the entire share capital of CGP Investments (Holdings) Ltd, a Cayman Islands based company from Hutchison International (HTIL). CGP, itself, owns 52 per cent stakes in Hutchison India.
Nokia forecasts 5% drop in mobile phone market in 2009 December 5, 2008
Posted by aikservices in CDMA, GSM, Mobile, Nokia, Uncategorized, Wireless.Tags: Asia, CDMA, Europe, Finland, GSM, Mobile, Nokia, Wireless
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Nokia has forecast a decline in mobile phone shipments next year as the global economic slowdown curbs consumer demand for new devices. The Finnish handset market expects the market to show a volume decline of 5 percent or more in 2009, the company announced at its Capital Markets Day. Nokia also lowered its forecast for 2008, saying it’s seeing a slowdown in all markets, with even emerging markets showing a more pronounced weakness in the past month. The company now expects fourth-quarter industry volumes to come in below its previous estimate of 330 million phones. As a result, full-year shipments will also fall short of the earlier forecast of 1.24 billion units.
Nokia expects that operator and retail distribution channels will go through a period of destocking next year, resulting in lower sales volumes by manufacturers (sell-in) than purchase volumes by consumers (sell-through) for the industry in the first half of 2009. The company still expects the number of mobile subscribers worldwide to pass the 4 billion mark in the first quarter 2009.
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