Author: Varun Krish

Varun Krish is a Mobile Technology Enthusiast and has been writing about mobile phones since 2005. His current phones include the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra. You can follow him on Twitter @varunkrish You can also mail Varun Krish

Nokia debuts new mobile gaming solutions and experiences at GDC Mobile

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE Mars 20, 2006

Nokia debuts new mobile gaming solutions and experiences at GDC Mobile

First look at new developer tools and consumer interface for next generation mobile gaming platform
San Jose, CA, USA – Nokia today unveiled a new software development kit (SDK) and consumer interface for its next generation mobile gaming platform. The new tools and consumer interface are designed to empower the mobile games industry to create high quality 3D mobile games for Nokia smartphones.
“Our new SDK contains familiar tools for developers, making it easy to focus on doing what they do best – creating great mobile games,” said Gregg Sauter, Director, Games Publishing, Nokia. “Our platform lets developers put their games in millions of pockets worldwide and these new tools ensure developers can get on board to take advantage of this fantastic business opportunity.”
Nokia also showcased its next generation mobile gaming consumer interface, showing how consumers can easily discover, purchase, play, manage and share the best mobile games.
“With our new consumer interface, you get quick access to new games and information, it’s easy to buy and manage your games, and share game accomplishments with your friends. You can play fantastic looking games for a great overall entertainment experience in your pocket. This new consumer interface is going to transform the way people find and play mobile games,” continued Sauter.
The new developer tools include Game Development Libraries, based on C++ programming libraries, which will be available across multiple devices. The Game Development Libraries can be updated on the devices for resolving compatibility issues, and adding new features, including industry standard DRM solutions for content protection with minimal integration. Developers can also take advantage of the real-time connected gaming and community features enabled by the N-Gage Arena.
Nokia provides a professional development environment with debugging and analyzing tools such as on target real-time debugging and profiling over USB. Developers also have access to world class developer support through the new Forum Nokia PRO Games Zone launched today.
Nokia’s next generation mobile games platform is expected to launch in the first half of 2007, with a range of titles and devices.

Sify enables mobile commerce with NGPay

GPRS users can now shop on SifyMall over their phones. www.sifymall.com, the leading online shopping portal from Sify Limited, today announced that millions of mobile phone users on GPRS services will be able to buy a wide range of products and services over their phones starting today.

To enable this easy to use and path breaking initiative, SifyMall has tied up with JiGrahak, a mobility solutions provider, and will be using JiGrahak?s m-Commerce/m-Payment platform ?NGPay? (Next Generation Pay).

Speaking on the launch of this mobile shopping initiative, Surya Mantha, Senior Vice President, Interactive Services, said, ?We are happy to be working with JiGrahak in bringing secure m-Commerce services to the millions of mobile subscribers using GPRS services in India. With the Indian mobile subscriber base growing at the rate of about 2 million users a month, and expected to touch 200 million by 2007, the potential for mobile shopping is huge. We expect to grow the mobile shopping service space with this “one-of-its kind” offering, and work towards being a leader in this area.

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Nokia wins turnkey GSM/EDGE radio network deal with Astelit in Ukraine

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE March 16, 2006

Nokia wins turnkey GSM/EDGE radio network deal with Astelit in Ukraine

Espoo, Finland – Nokia and Ukrainian mobile services operator Astelit, which operates under the brand name life:), have extended their existing frame agreement for the supply of network equipment and services. Nokia will carry out a new turnkey GSM/EDGE radio network expansion project, valued at USD 75 million, to expand Astelit’s network coverage in the Eastern and Western Ukraine. The expansion will help Astelit to attract new subscribers and increase its market share.
Under the agreement Nokia will deploy GSM/EDGE radio network equipment, including base stations, base station controllers and transmission. The full turnkey services for new sites include project management, network planning, site acquisition, civil works and implementation. Additionally, Nokia will provide network optimization, consultancy and maintenance services to support fast network rollout. The network will be supported by the Nokia NetAct(TM) network and service management system. The deliveries have already started.
“We are pleased to extend our business relationship with Nokia, who have proven their commitment and flexibility during the initial rollout of the Astelit network,” says Ahmet Tanyu, CEO, Astelit. “With this project we will enhance our high-quality network services to our existing customers, and at the same time expand life:) coverage in the Eastern and Western Ukraine, where we plan to reach new customers with our service offering.”
“We are delighted to continue to support Astelit and Turkcell’s business in the Ukrainian market,” says Jaakko Myllym?ki, Vice President, Networks, Nokia. “This coverage extension to new areas addresses new untapped areas of this country, one of the fastest growing markets of the region.”
Nokia can draw on its over 15-year track record of implementing and operating networks and its extensive practical experience of implementing mobile services for operators. Nokia has contracted operating services for over 20 operators globally, in addition to providing full turnkey implementations for a total of 27 customers in 22 countries. Nokia NetAct(TM) has been delivered to over 300 customers worldwide.

Bad News For Indian Mobile Users

The new raise in service tax could heavily affect mobile subscriptions.
Thursday, March 02, 2006:? The budget, with an increase in service tax, has brought bad news for mobile users. It is going to hit the marginal users the hardest. The service tax hike from 10 per cent to 12 per cent will see increase in the monthly telephone bills and drop in talk value for the users.

This move could also affect the Government’s target of increasing the number of mobile subscribers in both rural and urban segments.

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Access Googles Blooger from Sony Ericsson Mobiles

Search Engine Journal reports that Google and Sony Ericsson are working together to integrate Google’s Blogger on SE phones. (pay very close attention to this next statement) Google and Sony claim to be the first in the US cell market to provide pre-loaded blogging application with a tight integration to the mobile camera and easy set-up for mobile users who do not already have a Blogger blog. Have we forgotten that Nokia’s Lifeblog integrated with Typepad and comes preinstalled on certain Nokia devices?

Back to the story:

The first Sony Ericsson products to offer the new service are the recently announced K610 UMTS phone and new flagship imaging handsets, the K800 and K790, announced today and available in Q2 2006.

Integrating Blogger and Google Web Search in the Sony Ericsson handsets will provide a completely new experience for consumers. Icons leading to Google Web Search have been integrated into the phone user interface to provide easy access to the information that Google Web Search can provide.

Calvin Klein of Cellular Communication quits Nokia

FoneArena has learnt from News.com.au that NOKIA’S head of design Frank Nuovo also known as Calvin Klein of Cellular Communicationis to leave the company after more than 16 years.

He would continue consulting and stay as principal designer with Vertu, Nokia’s luxury phone brand.

Nokia would also centralise design to global team overseeing all of its handsets.

Six new phones for Sony Ericsson

sony Today Sony Ericsson announced a whole new line of mobile phones: the K800 and K790 Cyber-shot phones, the quad-band W300 Walkman clamshell, K510 and K310 camera phones and the Z530 clamshell.

The K800 and K790 bar phones are of very high imaging class with their 3.2 megapixel cameras. Supplied with Sony’s BestPic (for exact capturing), PictBridge (for direct printing via USB), auto focus and Xenon flash, the new devices are concentrated in imaging. The phones are 106 x 47 x 18 mm big and weigh 115 g. A 2″ QVGA 262K colors display, 64 MB internal memory, Adobe applications support and other functions make them even more efficient. They also have Picture Blogging feature, which is developed with Google’s Blogger. This option enables easy and fast updating and uploading of photos and data in the user’s blog. K800 and K790 also have a VGA camera for video conversations. Various media formats and FM radio are supported as well. Memory Stick Micro card slot is available for expanding the storage space. Bluetooth, USB and Infrared connectivity options are also included. The only difference between K800 and K790 is the networks support. K800 is UMTS – GPRS phone as the K790 is a tri-band EDGE phone. Both models will be available in Velvet Black in Q2 2006.

The W300 Walkman clamshell is the seventh phone in the Walkman series. This clamshell is 90 x 47 x 24 mm big and weighs 94 g. Made for music lovers, it has 20 MB internal memory and a 256 MB Memory Stick Micro card that comes in the box. Except the card slot, the quad-band phone also has EDGE Class 10 support for high speed data transfer. It has an external 1″ display with 101 x 80 pixels resolution (monochrome, regrettably) and a 262K colored internal display with 128 x 160 pixels resolution. W300 features a VGA camera, standard messaging options and USB, Bluetooth and Infrared connectivity. This Walkman clamshell will be available in Shimmering White and Shadow Black color variants in Q2 2006. Sony Ericsson K510 is a camera bar phone with basic features. It is 101.5 x 44 x 17.5 mm big and weighs 82 g. It has a 1.3 megapixel camera and 28 MB internal memory for storage. The new phone has 262K colors display with 128 x 160 pixels resolution. Bluetooth, USB and Infrared connectivity are also present. The tri-band device will be available in Midnight Black and Polished Purple color variants in Q2 2006.

The Z530 clamshell has a VGA camera but has a Memory Stick Micro card slot. It is 90 x 47 x 24 mm big and weighs 93 g. The external display of the phone is with 101 x 80 pixels resolution monochrome and the internal one is a UBC (Ultra Bright Colour) 65K colors with 128 x 160 pixels resolution. Sony Ericsson Z530 also has Bluetooth, USB and Infrared connectivity. The new tri-band clamshell will be available in Chromic Grey, Soft Black and Elegant Red color cariants in Q2 2006. The Sony Ericsson K310 model is a bar phone with simple photo functions. It has a VGA camera and 15 MB internal memory with no memory expansion card slot. It is 101.5 x 44 x 17.5 mm big and weighs 82 g thus it has the same dimensions as the K510 model. This phone has the same display as Z530 with its 65K colors and 128 x 160 pixels resolution with UBC (Ultra Bright Colour). K310 has Bluetooth, USB and Infrared as well. The tri-band device will be available in Misty Silver and Shadow Blue color variants in Q2 2006.

Continue reading “Six new phones for Sony Ericsson”

Free Outgoing on Idea Cellular

Idea Cellular has announced “Outgoing Free”, an offer that allows the first two minutes free on all outgoing to local and STD numbers for its prepaid customer base.

Idea Cellular has announced “Outgoing Free”, an offer that allows the first two minutes free on all outgoing to local and STD numbers for its prepaid customer base.

Idea maintains that the first two minutes free on all outgoing calls reiterates its endeavor to innovate and keep ahead of the pack in the prepaid segment. This customer offering is available on all local mobile calls on purchase of the Rs 250 voucher with Rs 50 talktime, all local calls on purchase of the Rs 750 voucher with Rs 75 talktime, and all STD and local calls on purchase of the Rs 2000 voucher with Rs 200 talk time.

Once the customer has completed usage of first two minutes, calls will be charged at 1 Rupee for all cell-to-cell local calls, and Rs 2 for other local and STD calls for a period of 30 days from the date of purchase of these vouchers. This offer is also applicable to lifelong customers.

Announcing the launch, Vikram Mehmi, CEO, Idea Cellular, said, “With ‘Outgoing Free,’ Idea Cellular will offer the most competitive prepaid product in the marketplace. The idea is to continue offering our customers great value for money (VFM) products, supported by our factory of innovative value added Services. The combination is hard to resist, and is sure to change the prepaid industry as we know it.”

Sony Ericsson W950i announced

Sony Ericsson debuted its most powerful Walkman phone yet, the W950i.

After launching two other models this morning (sony-ericsson-w950iJ100 and K610i) Sony Ericsson debuted its most powerful Walkman phone yet, the W950i. The handset sports a massive 4GB of flash memory which puts it on an even playing field with the Apple iPod Nano.Features of the Sony Ericsson W950i include:

  • Symbian v9.1 on the UIQ 3.0 platform
  • GSM 900/1800/1900 plus UMTS 2100
  • 4GB flash memory for up to 4,000 songs
  • Bluetooth with support for stereo headsets
  • Walkman music player that plays MP3, AAC, AAC+, E-AAC+, WAV and m4a
  • QVGA touch screen with 262k colors
  • USB 2.0

The W950i is slated to begin shipping in the third quarter. Unfortunately we won’t see the W950i in the US thanks to its tri-band radio.

via [MobileTracker] and [Mobile Guerilla]

Nokia announces 3 new phone 6131,6136 and 6070

Today in Barcelona Nokia presented their latest, Nokia 6131, Nokia 6136 and Nokia 6070.

Today in Barcelona Nokia presented their latest, Nokia 6131, Nokia 6136 and Nokia 6070.
nokia 3gsmThe 6131 EDGE clamshell has a large internal QVGA display with 16 million colors. The external display has 262K colors. The quad-band device features FM radio tuner, 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth support and microSD slot. Nokia 6131 also has Visual Radio support.The expected price of Nokia 6131 is around 275 EUR.

The Nokia 6136 is a quad-band UMA-enabled device. UMA technology (Unlicensed Mobile Access) goes for combining GSM and WLAN technologies. Nokia 6136 is the second UMA-enabled phone, after the N80 model. The phone also has a 262K colors display, microSD slot,1.3 megapixel camera and FM radio tuner. The radio has Visual Radio support. Nokia 6136 has a new DARP (Downlink Advanced Receiver Performance) radio receiver for improved voice quality and higher data transfer. The initial customer for the 6136 model will be Orange company.

The 6070 model also has EDGE technology and multimedia features like FM radio tuner and camera. It has the Nokia Series 40 user interface. This phone is tri-band and is expected to go for around 135 EUR.

Nokia 6131, Nokia 6136 and Nokia 6070 phones are all expected to be available in Q2 2006.

Nokia press release

Internet calls on a Nokia phone made possible with the first Nokia UMA network solution

3GSM World Congress 2006, Barcelona, Spain/Espoo, Finland – Today, at the 3GSM World Congress, Nokia unveiled three new devices; introduced its first UMA network solution; announced collaboration with Vodafone aimed at increasing usage of the S60 platform; launched additional frequency variants for the Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station; and announced a new cooperation agreement on DVB-H interoperability.

Nokia unveiled the Nokia 6131 and Nokia 6070 mid-range GSM camera phones, as well as the Nokia 6136 Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) device. The Nokia 6131 comes in a folding design and offers a 1.3 megapixel camera, while the Nokia 6070 comes in a classical form and offers basic camera phone capabilities at an affordable price point.

The Nokia 6136 UMA device, which can switch seamlessly between GSM and WLAN networks, offers users more reliable connectivity in homes or offices with poor cellular coverage. Nokia also launched a UMA network solution that enables operators to deliver cellular and data services to subscribers over WLAN access networks, thereby increasing mobile service availability. With both UMA network equipment and a UMA capable handset, Nokia is able to provide a complete end-to-end UMA offering.

Sony Ericsson unveils stylish K610 3G phone for the masses

sony_ericsson_k610

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Press room
The slender, stylish K610 gives 3G mass appeal
13 February 2006

UMTS mobile delivers performance for work and leisure all in the size and weight of a 2G phone

3GSM Congress, Barcelona, 13th Feb 2006 ? Sony Ericsson today announces the K610, a slim, lightweight and affordable UMTS imaging phone that opens up the world of 3G for a much wider population. Just 17mm thick and weighing 92 grams, the K610 is the size and weight of a typical 2G stick phone and will be one of the smallest and lightest 3G phones to come on the market. It packs into its slender frame a suite of advanced communications, business and entertainment applications plus a 2 Megapixel camera, Memory Stick removable storage and Bluetooth connectivity.

?The K610 is a classic Sony Ericsson design reminiscent of the iconic and much loved T610 with a balance of form and function that makes it pretty irresistible,? said Jan W?reby, Corporate Executive Vice President, Head of Sales and Marketing

The K610?s pure lines combine with a solid, quality feel to make it a pleasure to hold and use. It is also incredibly practical and easy to use, with bright illumination plus large keypad and 262K colour display.

UMTS connectivity and a 2 Megapixel camera makes the K610 an ideal tool to shoot images and share them instantly ? whether for business or pleasure. Creating a photoblog is easily done by just adding text to images and posting them to the Internet, or images can be quickly sent by email or MMS.

High speed email, web access and a range of business-friendly applications make the K610 the ideal partner for the productive mobile office. Standard push e-mail support (P-IMAP) sends messages direct to the phone without having to download them, and a flight mode allows users to work offline.

The phone?s practical use as a business tool is further strengthened by a comprehensive connectivity suite that keeps the user always in touch. UMTS is supplemented by Bluetooth, Infrared, USB 2.0 mass storage and Memory Stick Micro? (M2?) support,. USB 2.0 can be used to synchronise with Microsoft Outlook to ensure calendar and contacts are always up-to-date the handset.

Browsing the Internet on the K610 is a graphic-rich experience that is very similar to using a PC, thanks to the NetFront? browser. HTML pages are presented in full with photos, video, words and graphics adapted to fit the 1.9? colour display, making it easy to scroll, browse and follow links between sites. New support for RSS Feeds allows users to subscribe to news services to receive updates direct to the phone.

The K610?s integrated music player makes listening to music on the move simple. Music files can be stored on Memory Stick Micro? (M2?), which can be expanded to 1GB, It is easy to create and manage playlists and supplied software handles transfer of music files between the user?s PC and the phone. The player delivers a top notch listening experience, helped along by the phone?s high quality stereo headphones and built-in equaliser.

The Sony Ericsson K610 is a Dual Mode UMTS handset commercially available in Evening Red and Urban Silver colours and starts shipping during Q2 2006.

K610i – Dual mode UMTS (2100MHz) – GPRS 900/1800/1900 for Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa

K610c – Dual mode UMTS (2100MHz) – GPRS 900/1800/1900 for Mainland China. (Launch for mainland China dependent on availability of 3G services.)

K610 ? Features at a glance:

Imaging & Messaging

* 2.0 Megapixel camera
* 2 x digital zoom
* Horizontal camera user interface
* Video call (integrated VGA camera)
* Video record and play
* Video streaming
* PictureDJ?
* SMS and MMS (Multimedia Messaging)
* 262,144 color 1.9? TFT
* 176 x 220 pixels

Entertainment

* Disc2Phone ripping software
* WAP 2.0 XHTML/HTML
* Java MIDP 2.0
* Media player (supports MP3, AAC and E-AAC+)
* Music download
* Polyphonic ringtones, 72 voices
* MusicDJ?
* 2D and 3D gaming

Connectivity

* USB cable
* USB 2.0 mass storage, full speed
* Memory Stick Micro? (M2?)support (up to 1 GB ) Bluetooth?
* Dual mode UMTS and GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900

Business

* Standard Push e-mail (M-IMAP)
* Speakerphone
* Modem
* PC synchronization
* File manager
* Talk time: Up to 7 hours GSM, up to 2.5 hours WCDMA
* Standby time: Up to 400 hours GSM and up to 350 hours WCDMA
* Size: 102 x 45.2 x 16.9mm
* Weight: 92 grams

Sony Ericsson launches entry level J100

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Press room
Sony Ericsson widens its entry level portfolio with the stylish compact J100
13 February 2006
sony_ericsson_j100
3GSM Congress, Barcelona, 13th Feb 2006 ? Sony Ericsson continues to expand its range of entry level phones with the J100, a phone that is extremely intuitive and affordable, making it ideal for everyday communications.

Unmistakably a Sony Ericsson, the J100?s good looks and ease of use will appeal to anyone looking for an uncomplicated phone that?s great for voice calls and text messages, with a large keypad, one click navigation and single icon menus.

?It is important to remember that the vast majority of mobile phone users simply want a reliable, well designed phone for voice calls and text,? says Jan W?reby, Corporate Executive Vice President, Head of Sales and Marketing, Sony Ericsson. ?This is an important market for Sony Ericsson and our operator customers and we expect good demand for J100 globally, particularly in emerging markets.?

Sony Ericsson is known worldwide for its intuitive coupling of form and function to produce stylish phones with great performance and the J100 is no exception. Several features set it apart from its peers. For example it is the smallest phone in the whole Sony Ericsson range and its 65K colour display is outstanding for a phone in this segment.

All key functions can be reached with just one click and the navigation key with its icon markings makes for instant recognition of the various functions. Simply press ?Up? to set the sound, ?Right? to set the alarm, ?Down? to access the phonebook, ?Left? to start writing a message and ?Centre? to access the menu.

The core voice calls and text functions are supplemented by useful extras including alarm clock, calculator. Available accessories are the Car Holder HCH-60 and Portable Handsfree HPB-60 which when combined with J100 make for an affordable, all-round communications solution.

The Sony Ericsson J100 is a Dual Band GSM phone available in Polar White and Twilight Blue and will be commercially available during Q2 2006. The J100 will be available in the following variants:
J100i – Dual Band GSM 900/1800 MHz for Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific
J100c – Dual Band GSM 900/1800 MHz for Mainland China
J100a – Dual Band GSM 850/1900 MHz for Americas

Messaging

* 65k Color display
* 96 x 64 pixel STN
* SIM based phonebook with 250 entries
* SMS
* Predictive text input

Entertainment

* Polyphonic ringtones
* Preinstalled Wallpapers, Games, Ring tones

Connectivity

* GSM 900/1800
GSM 850/1900
* Stand-By time 300 h
* Talk time 8 h
* AMR, HR FR, EFR
* Fast port connector

Business

* Vibrating Alert
* Alarm clock
* Calculator

Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station to support large portfolio of frequency bands

Nokia extends portfolio to facilitate 3G deployments around the world

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE February 13, 2006

Nokia extends portfolio to facilitate 3G deployments around the world

Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station to support large portfolio of frequency bands
3GSM World Congress 2006, Barcelona, Spain/Espoo, Finland – Nokia, a leader in WCDMA contracts and deployments, today announced new frequency variants for its small and modular Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station. The base station, showcased at the 3GSM World Congress, is on track for commercial deliveries in the latter half of 2006.? The wide choice of frequencies covered by Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station will enable 3G operators all over the world to build cost-efficient 3G networks.
The Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station will be available for the IMT-2000 frequencies 2100 MHz, 1700 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1700/2100 MHz in the second half of 2006. In the first half of 2007, further frequencies, including 850 MHz, 900 MHz and 1900 MHz will be available, whereafter other frequencies will be added based on market need.
Live video calls on the Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station, using a commercially available Nokia 3G device, will be demonstrated on Nokia’s stand in hall 8 at the Fira de Barcelona. The Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station is a high capacity base station, which is small, lightweight, modular, future proof and capable of generating up to 70 percent savings in base station site costs.
Nokia is showing its leadership in High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) with over 20 contracts to supply High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), a technology providing enhanced capacities and speeds e.g. for 3G applications such as mobile e-mail and streamed mobile TV. As a simple software upgrade to Nokia WCDMA, Nokia has already delivered HSDPA software to a sizeable number of customers. HSDPA is now commercially available from Nokia and at the conference Nokia demonstrates the next step, its innovative flat architecture Nokia Internet-HSPA solution, to operator customers. Nokia Internet-HSPA provides high-speed mobile data access with wide area coverage for data intensive mobile business and consumer applications, as well as? VoIP.
“Increasing numbers of operators are realising the revenue opportunities offered by 3G and are devising creative service packages to suit their customers’ needs.? We believe the large portfolio of 3G WCDMA frequencies supported by Nokia can help operators around the globe build fast, efficient 3G networks,” said Robin Lindahl, Vice President, Radio Networks, Nokia. “Nokia’s commitment to 3G and its evolution, HSPA, is underscored by innovations such as the Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station and Nokia Internet-HSPA.”
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

Gartner says to Nokia : start making Windows Mobile phones or forget North American market altogether

We are not saying that tomorrow, at 3GSM 2006, Microsoft and Nokia will announce that from now on Nokia will be making Windows Mobile phones, but the facts are that now in the USA with regard to mobile phone market share, Nokia is totally losing the battle … both in regular mobile phones area and in smartphone market…

Well known market research company Gartner is very blatant about this situation of Nokia in the USA, and is actually recommending to Nokia something, that we were preaching for years – “start making Windows Mobile Nokia phones, or die”:

In the enterprise market, Nokia should expand its smartphone portfolio past Symbian to include Microsoft-based products. Nokia is in danger of making the same mistake again ? trying to force end users to take its preferred solution rather than giving them what they want. In North America, enterprises will demand Microsoft-based products. Nokia should not discontinue Symbian devices, but it should focus Symbian products on the consumer and prosumer market, while offering Microsoft-based products to the enterprise market.

Conclusion: Symbian has no future in the USA and now is on position 3 there: after Palm OS and Windows Mobile phones. Maybe it is time for Nokia to abandon the pigheaded approach of making only one-platform smartphones (i.e. only powered by Symbian) and to start making Windows Mobile Nokia phones too! The 3GSM 2006 is starting tomorrow where all top managers from Nokia are present, and where also Steve Ballmer (CEO of Microsoft) and all major managers from Microsoft’s mobile division are present too. Maybe it is time, that Nokia managers should pay a visit to Microsoft managers and start talks about launching Windows Mobile Nokia phones! The 3GSM 2006 is a very good opportunity to start these talks… and at 3GSM 2007 we may already see first Windows Mobile phones from Nokia…

Related link: Gartner. and msmobiles