There is enough controversy and enough chatter, about the new alliance which is all set to change the cellphone giant’s face in front of the world. But, as a shocker : Stephen Elop in a conversation with a Finnish journalist on Friday said he was “convinced” of the fact that a “very low price point could be reached, very quickly”.
In Nokia’s golden years, the company was known for dropping old technology for new, high price for low, and innovation over boredom. If Nokia wants all that back they need to go retro and follow the same philosophy.
Nokia was announcing its Microsoft alliance at the Mobile World Congress today, and in a Q&A session related to Symbian the Company’s CEO Stephen Elop Said
“We have fresh new products [on the low end] that we’re introducing into the Indian market that have features like dual-SIM.”
That means Nokia doesn’t essentially want to get rid of Symbian altogether but use it in budget phones, that will target the India’n market especially.
This is possibly the only thing Nokia needs to revive its standing in our country, as a mass market product, the masses are in for Dual Sim phones! The interesting thing to see however is that weather or not Nokia will be able to give a product that beats the quality of the existing Indo-China companies. And Symbian is definitely better than the generic Chinese OS on each of those devices.
Folks over at Engadget have caught hold of an image that showcases the upcoming Windows Phone Device from Nokia. At the announcement Nokia said that engineers from both Microsoft and Nokia have already spent a lot of time together developing on this. This could mean that, this may as well be the first phone from the Nokia-Microsoft alliance.
So, Nokia has joined hands with Microsoft to develop future products, what does this mean? We have the details and will be shedding light on the insides and out of the alliance and what it does for us.
To start off, we expected Symbian to either be completely re-invented or be completely exterminated. Nokia choose the latter, they probably thought it was much easier than to invent an OS in a market that was way ahead of them. This alliance comes with the death of Symbian in a slow and steady manner. In the presentation created by Stephen Elop (ceo of Nokia) t it’s clear that Symbian which is claimed to be a “franchise” OS that Nokia will “harvest” and will be taken over by Windows Phone on Nokia devices just as soon as Nokia and Microsoft can complete the transition.
The transition as Nokia and Microsoft stated, would go on through 2011-2012, and by 2013 Nokia will be shipping only Windows Phone 7 or 8 or whatever version Microsoft throws out to the world. In simple words : Nokia will only ship Windows Phone devices 2013 onwards.
“Nokia expects 2011 and 2012 to be transition years, as the company invests to build the planned winning ecosystem with Microsoft. After the transition, Nokia targets longer-term: (1) Devices & Services net sales to grow faster than the market. (2) Devices & Services non-IFRS operating margin to be 10% or more.”
Stephen Elop says that he expects Nokia to ramp up the transition this year and be ready to ship Windows Phone 7 devices in significant volume in 2012.
With the arrival of Windows Phone to Nokia devices, there are substantial changes that will go on in Nokia’s infrastructure. When Elop was asked by a concerned Finnish reporter, “What happens to Finland,” Stephen responded that a successful Nokia is good for Finland but there will be “substantial reductions in employment” in Finland and around the world. That does mean a lot of frustrated Nokia employees, and a lot of anxiety for them. This may also be a great blow to investors or stock holders, as this may ruin Nokia’s market value on the long run.
Nokia has also been on the Qt warpath for years after purchasing the developer framework from Trolltech back in January of 2008. While Qt will continue on as the development framework for Symbian and MeeGo, Microsoft will give for free Windows Phone Developer Tools (Visual Studio 2010, Expression, Silverlight and the XNA Framework) to developers interested in the platform and exclusively developing for it. Qt will not be adapted for Windows Phone 7 APIs.
Whatever said and done, We personally believe, Nokia’s focus on hardware development will improve the outcome and toss Nokia back up on the anticipated phones / devices list. Also we believe Nokia will be launching a tablet later this year. A tablet that will run a mix of operating systems and an interesting hardware speck at a price that will remain unrivaled. There are only good things to see from Nokia now (or at-least we want them).
Elop also expressed the fact that, Nokia will be allowed to alter anything in the WP7 platform, including layouts and skinning. But, Elop also mentioned that Nokia likely won’t make extensive use of this freedom to tailor Microsoft’s OS. This is a major shift for Microsoft, who forbade HTC from skinning Windows Phone 7 with Sense, the proprietary skin from HTC.
Read the Q&A below from the post announcement session.
No specific announcement for when we’ll see the first Nokia Windows Phone. Ballmer mentioned that the engineering teams have spent a lot of time together already.
Elop confirmed that Nokiawill not be moving to Silicon Valley or anywhere else.
Ballmer said that the partnership is “not exclusive” but some things that Microsoft is doing with Nokia are “unique” allowing Nokia to differentiate itself in the market. Elop added that it’s important for the Windows Phone 7 ecosystem to thrive, which means that multiple vendors must succeed.
Elop didn’t believe that Nokia could create a new ecosystem around MeeGo fast enough.
Nokia will “substantially reduce” R&D expenditures while increasing R&D productivity moving forward.
Nokia did consider adopting Android but decided that it “would have difficulty differentiating within that ecosystem” and the “commoditization risk was very high — prices, profits, everything being pushed down, value being moved out to Google which was concerning to us.” Microsoft presented the best option for Nokia to resume the fight in the high end smarpthone segment.
Elop clarified that MeeGo will ship this year but “not as part of another broad smarpthone platform strategy, but as an opportunity to learn.” Something that sounds very similar to position Nokia took with its so-called “experimental” Maemo-based N900 last year. After the first (and apparently, only) MeeGo device ships this year, the MeeGo team will then “change their focus into an exploration of future platforms, future devices, future user experiences.” Trying to determine the “next disruption” in smartphones.
Responding to “hope for a broad MeeGo-based ecosystem,” Elop said that Nokia simply wasn’t moving fast enough to effectively win and compete against Apple and Google. Windows Phone makes it a “three-horse race,” something that Elop says is pleasing to the carriers he’s been speaking with.
Nokia has different options for its tablet strategy including using something from Microsoft or something that Nokia has developed internally.
Watch the Video of the whole event below
Click on the Next Link Below to read Press Releases
Nokia and Microsoft have finally Announced Nokia – Windows Phone 7 devices. But in this “Strategic Alliance” a lot more is going down, namely linkages in Bing, Xbox Live and Office products.
Check out the Full PR Below
Nokia and Microsoft Announce Plans for a Broad Strategic Partnership to Build a New Global Mobile Ecosystem
Companies plan to combine assets and develop innovative mobile products on an unprecedented scale.
LONDON – Feb. 11, 2011 – Nokia and Microsoft today announced plans to form a broad strategic partnership that would use their complementary strengths and expertise to create a new global mobile ecosystem.
Nokia and Microsoft intend to jointly create market-leading mobile products and services designed to offer consumers, operators and developers unrivalled choice and opportunity. As each company would focus on its core competencies, the partnership would create the opportunity for rapid time to market execution. Additionally, Nokia and Microsoft plan to work together to integrate key assets and create completely new service offerings, while extending established products and services to new markets.
Under the proposed partnership:
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Nokia would adopt Windows Phone as its principal smartphone strategy, innovating on top of the platform in areas such as imaging, where Nokia is a market leader.
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Nokia would help drive the future of Windows Phone. Nokia would contribute its expertise on hardware design, language support, and help bring Windows Phone to a larger range of price points, market segments and geographies.
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Nokia and Microsoft would closely collaborate on joint marketing initiatives and a shared development roadmap to align on the future evolution of mobile products.
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Bing would power Nokia’s search services across Nokia devices and services, giving customers access to Bing’s next generation search capabilities. Microsoft adCenter would provide search advertising services on Nokia’s line of devices and services.
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Nokia Maps would be a core part of Microsoft’s mapping services. For example, Maps would be integrated with Microsoft’s Bing search engine and adCenter advertising platform to form a unique local search and advertising experience
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Nokia’s extensive operator billing agreements would make it easier for consumers to purchase Nokia Windows Phone services in countries where credit-card use is low.
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Microsoft development tools would be used to create applications to run on Nokia Windows Phones, allowing developers to easily leverage the ecosystem’s global reach.
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Nokia’s content and application store would be integrated with Microsoft Marketplace for a more compelling consumer experience.
“Today, developers, operators and consumers want compelling mobile products, which include not only the device, but the software, services, applications and customer support that make a great experience,” Stephen Elop, Nokia President and CEO, said at a joint news conference in London. “Nokia and Microsoft will combine our strengths to deliver an ecosystem with unrivalled global reach and scale. It’s now a three-horse race.”
“I am excited about this partnership with Nokia,” said Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. “Ecosystems thrive when fueled by speed, innovation and scale.The partnership announced today provides incredible scale, vast expertise in hardware and software innovation and a proven ability to execute.”
Please visit www.nokia.com/press for press materials.
You have a Jailbroken iPhone/iPod/iPad? Do you love the new Metro UI from Microsoft Windows Phone 7? Then this bit of information might just make you very very excited! Don’t get naughty!
The video below previews a beta version of a Theme designed by Wynd, The theme is called OS7 and is fairly easy to Install. Check out the video Below and head on over to the source link to try it for yourself.
Hackers have finally managed to get Windows Phone 7 working on the HD2. This new rom has just been released by DFT (Dark Forces Team).
If you’re an HD2 owner just aching for a taste of Microsoft’s newest OS then now’s your chance. Video of the ROM in action after the break. Along with a video and instructions showing hacked access to Live services has now been posted. See theproof below.
Looks like an android port may not be far. i.e. WP7 dual boot on Desire HD anyone?
There you go Folks the HTC 7 Mozart was announced some time back and we have exclusive hands on Pics for you Guys, Stay tuned for an Unboxing video followed by a full review of the device, along with comparisons with the near and dear.
Windows Phone 7 Was released Q4 2010, Htc was the most involved during Launch of Windows phone 7. Htc was also, the firt company to bring their WP7 phones to India.. The First WP7 device to hit India was the HD7. iGyaan was the First to report its availability and also the first to give an unboxing video and pictures. Today we are here as the first with a review of this device on Indian shores. So, lets begin :-
Overview
Windows phone had predominantly dominated the smartphone (or supposed) market before the likes of Android and iOS. Windows Mobile OS was the easiest was to get around on your handheld touchscreen device using a stylus to navigate through the tiny start menus and buggy interfaces. Gone are those days, Microsoft, has upped the bar and competition has been tough on their noses. The Latest version of the Windows mobile platform the WINDOWS PHONE 7, does everything that the earlier variants couldn’t, a lot less of everything that they could, most importantly, it is as smooth and good looking as butter on a Hot Pan.
HTC began as a company of Windows Devices, manufacturing devices under third party names, until they decided to launch their own brand and come out strong. The company has grown because of Microsoft and the Windows platform. So, they were the first to offer support for a refreshed version of their favorite OS. The HD7 is the flagship for the company in the Windows Phone 7 Series. With Beautiful looks and an inside that makes a even android phones shame the device packs it all, but, does it?
Build Quality
The Hd7 packs a stunning 4.3 inch 480×800 px front LCD. this screen along with a dark chrome metal bezel and invariably sexy looks make it one of the Hottest smart-phones in the market today. Overall a high strength construction along with premium use of glass and metals make it absolutely top notch. The flaws however are there and include, a very poorly designed back cover which leaves a lot to be desired and a lot of noise from the handset when, well its shaken.
Also, noticeably bothersome is the fact that all the buttons are flush with the phones bezel so they are not tactile and really difficult to operate. The Screen is recessed into the bezel and the bezel hurts the finger while its under operation.
TouchScreen & Display
The Display is a 480×800 px LCD display, which is multitouch and boasts a high contrast and brilliant brightness. The display is absolutely amazing, we always hoped that the HTC samsung fallout wouldn’t happen. so that the HTC phones could continue getting SAMOLED screens. But, this screen makes you feel otherwise. The beautiful display along with brilliant colors from the Windows Phone 7 make the device look and perform great. The touch screen experience is fluid, to the extent that every tap gives you a response. The screen in our case did not fade when tilted, like it did for a lot of others people who complained about the quality of display. Agreed the viewing angle is not as good as we would expect from a device like the said, But, then again how many times do you actually look at your device at a 70-90 degree angle.
The Kickstand plays a major role in how the display looks, Once placed on a surface the angle of view changes to a slightly tilted one, this does not affect the viewing experience on the device – which can be totally hands-free
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