Nokia are back. Watch out Apple and all Droids…

Over the past few months there has been a lot said about Android taking market share and that Apple is the number 2 mobile phone OS. There has also been a lot said about the failing fortunes of Nokia and the lack of market share Windows Phone 7 has since its launch just over a year ago. However, so many aspects of the mobile market get missed on all of these reports, and by so many phone “fan boys”, be they Android, Apple or whatever…

Global market

We have to remember that the Smartphone doesn’t even make up 30% of the global market, and even in markets such as the UK, it only just breaks that. So, even though we talk of Android having 40% market share, that Androids rule, that Apple offer the best Smartphone etc and that these phones dominate the phone landscape, what never gets mentioned is that that this is true for a small segment of the market place.

Today at Nokia world, Nokia reminded people of that.  Nokia has reminded people that they are still the biggest mobile provider and that non Smartphone markets are still the majority. The first part of the opening keynote focused greatly on countries / areas such as Latin America, China, Africa and other areas where Smartphone’s aren’t really available. Nokia chose to focus on user experiences in these areas and launched a number of new phones (named Asha), designed to “blur” the lines between a Smartphone and what we now term as a dumb phone. Nokia is well aware of these markets, and the fact that these markets are still the main stay for Mobile companies (something Google, Apple and many have forgotten).

The new phones offer some Smartphone features, and will no doubt be a great hit, offering Angry birds, music and dual sim capabilities. These were impressive devices, aimed at ensuring Nokia is still the number 1 phone provider across the globe.

Windows Phone marriage for the Smartphone device

It was 8 months ago that Nokia announced that it would concentrate on the Windows Phone OS for its Smartphone’s. Now that isn’t that long ago, thinking that they have started from scratch and now release two brand new devices. There will no doubt be a full range of them coming soon too.

Though many have slated Nokia for the deal, for me it makes a lot of sense. Microsoft need a way of getting their OS displayed, getting it into the hands of sales reps, business users and the public, Nokia can provide this in abundance. In addition, Nokia needed an OS that was different to what we have seen (from Symbian, Android and iOS), an OS that they could work with and
not have to dev themselves. So the marriage makes sense…

The result is the launch of two very stunning phones, a massive marketing campaign and we are led to believe, for the first time, a focussed attempt to market the Windows Phone. Nokia know what they are doing here, they know how to get networks and reps to sell their phones and they will make this works, I’m sure. Microsoft should be there to provide the OS, the ecosystem and support to Nokia, which seems to be the way the relationship works.

Nokia and Windows Phone can compete

With a range of new windows phones, the Nokia brand, the Nokia relationship with carriers and retailers and some special features, Nokia has really announced that it is going to take the competition on in the Smartphone arena. Nokia is even giving the devices to those who sell them, ensuring they know the device, love it and promote it. Sensible…

There are also some key features only available to Nokia, and these revolve around Drive, Music and Sports. These are three areas which will appeal to many a Smartphone user, and for sure, sets them apart from the others, including iOS.

Drive is a turn by turn voice operated navigation system, that’s free with a Nokia windows phone device, impressive. You can also gain access to music for free, with Nokia Music (which to me looks like a Zune pass for free for certain things). Finally, ESPN hub, exclusive to windows phone and Nokia, allowing you to follow all your sports, teams etc and to pin just what you want to the start screen, again for free.  Throw in Office, Sharepoint and other business tools, and you soon see that Nokia Windows Phone makes sense for business users as well as the casual user. Oh and if you think there is a lacking ecosystem behind Windows Phone and not many apps, I might remind you that there are now over 30,000 apps available and the marketplace is growing rapidly…

Nokia (via Symbian) maybe number 2 (just) in the Smartphone arena, but with Windows Phone, their hardware and drive, I believe their aim is to have Nokia with Windows Phone leap frog Android, leaving Apple in a distant third…Is it possible, I believe it is. We also have to remember that Microsoft makes money from most Android sales, so as Windows Phone grows in
popularity (and I am sure it will), Samsung, HTC and alike will no doubt look more seriously at focusing more on Windows Phone than Android…

Lumia 800 Device

This is a stunning device, quite simply the best looking Smartphone on the market. I know a bunch of fanboys will disagree, but once you see this and feel it, I’m sure you would agree. Nokia knows how to build hardware and they still lead the way here, the Lumia 800 is a reminder of that. It’s basically a smaller N900, which everybody loves (hardware wise).  It may have a smaller screen (3.7”) but it’s
quite an impressive bit of kit. Spec sheet here Oh and the price is very competitive, coming in at under 420 euros…

Nokia Lumia 800. Taking on Droids and iOS

I am hoping that Nokia offer other Windows Phones, devices with screens similar to that of the Titan (especially for us business users), but also because larger screens really make a big difference to high end users. Visit here for Nokia Lumia 800

Lumia 710 Device

Not quite as high end as the 800, but none the less, still stunning and at a price of 270 euros, Nokia has made the powerful Smartphone available to many more people. (And this is the start).

Nokia Lumia 710 offers a cheaper entry point. Smartphones for everyone?

Quick Conclusion…

Nokia is very much still alive, and are focusing not just on Smartphone’s, but emerging markets. Nokia aims to be a global leader and as such, is not just focused on Smartphone’s. That being said, Smartphone’s are the future, and Nokia know this. Their marriage with Windows Phone is one they must make work, and by the looks of things so far, will make work. A lot is riding for them in the next few months, but I think we will see them, and Windows Phone starting to make some rapid progress…

I used to love Nokia phones, they offer the best build quality and now, finally, offer me an OS I am willing to use. I think the future looks good for Nokia and Windows Phone, and I think my love affair with Nokia may be starting a fresh…