Nokia Eyes Changing Game with One Swipe Redefining Smartphone Innovation with New Designs, Imaging
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 BUSINESS Nokia World 2013 ABU DHABI: Stephen Elop (inset) makes his keynote speech at Nokia World 2013. — Photos by Sajeev K Peter Nokia eyes changing game with one swipe Redefining smartphone innovation with new designs, imaging By Sajeev K Peter screen Lumia smartphones, the Lumia 1520 and Lumia 1320. With a 6-inch screen and the ABU DHABI: Nokia, a global leader in mobile latest software advancements for Windows communications, redefined smartphone inno- Phone, the Lumia 1320 and Lumia 1520 are vation with the launch of six new game- perfectly suited for entertainment and pro- changing devices at Nokia World 2013. The ductivity. The Lumia 1520 offers the latest mega event held at St Regis Island Resort in imaging innovation from Nokia - a 20MP Abu Dhabi, turned out to be an exciting plat- PureView camera with Optical Image form for Nokia to showcase the latest and Stabilization (OIS) enabling sharp images even newest devices and services to media and in the dark. In addition to the new Nokia analysts from across the world. Camera and Nokia Story Teller applications, “Now more than ever, mobile devices are the Lumia 1520 offers a 6-inch screen and a at the center of consumers’ lives as they look 1080p full HD display for outstanding outdoor to capture, curate and share experiences on readability. The Lumia 1320 features many the go,” said Stephen Elop, Executive Vice high-end Lumia innovations on a large 6-inch President, Devices and Services at Nokia, dur- 720p display and extends the Nokia Camera ing the keynote session. App to another price range. With a range of Nokia officials display new devices at Nokia World. Nokia introduced its first Windows tablet imaging apps available, the Lumia 1320 the Nokia Lumia 2520, that runs on Windows comes with Nokia Music for free streaming of RT 8.1. It became the cynosure of all eyes at ad-free music and HERE maps and location the event as the tablet, touted as the real services. The Nokia Lumia 1520 will be avail- Mideast remains key focus for Nokia game-changer for Nokia as well as the indus- able in yellow, white, black and glossy red. It is try, is a complete package and made to sup- expected to start shipping in Q4 2013. The port life on the go. “It is designed for mobility, Nokia Lumia 1320 will be available in orange, Investments in core technologies to continue reliability, longevity and has a unique sense of yellow, white, and black and is expected to style and color,” said Elop, demonstrating the start shipping in Q1 2014. By Sajeev K Peter gadget. Nokia also launched a portfolio of large The Asha experience ABU DHABI: Nokia hopes to rebuild its business as a lead- screen Lumia smartphones: Lumia 1520 and The Nokia Asha 500, Asha 502 and Asha ing cell-phone brand in the Middle East with its game- 1320 and three new Asha models - including 503 combine beautiful design with a rich changing handsets and adoption of Windows Phone soft- the first 3G device in the Asha Platform family mobile experience. ware, said Vithesh Reddy, General Manager, Nokia Lower of smartphones -delivering winning designs, The newest additions to the Asha Platform Gulf. In conversation with the Kuwait Times on the sidelines new vibrant colors and a more intuitive user family of devices - the Nokia Asha 500, Asha of Nokia World 2013, Abu Dhabi, Reddy said, “With our interface, all at attractive prices. 502 and Asha 503 - join the already successful renewed marketing strategies and adoption of the Asha 501 in pushing the boundaries of afford- Windows smartphone platform, we are now starting to Amazing journey able smartphone innovation. All three hand- rebuild the demand we used to enjoy in this region.” “With a pending Microsoft portfolio, we sets build on Nokia’s renowned design and Giving an overview of Nokia’s new path-breaking are embarking on an amazing journey with feature a new crystal-clear look. Support for devices, some of them specifically targeting the emerging great products. We will remain the company 3G is available on the Asha 503, which also markets, Reddy said, Middle East remained a key focus for Vithesh Reddy displays Windows tablet Nokia Timo Toikkanen answers a question during the that continues to connect people,” Elop said. includes a 5MP camera and comes with a Dual Nokia’s business strategy. Lumia 2520. interview. “With our latest range of Lumia and Asha SIM option. Launching the Nokia Asha 500, “First and foremost, this is the first time that Nokia has can take the Office with him and he does not have to carry leader in the Middle East and Africa region. products, we’re delivering imaging innovation Asha 502 and Asha 503, he said, they include hosted Nokia World in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi, an his laptop and the charger with him anymore. You are really “The Middle East is a strong growth region for Nokia to bigger devices at more accessible prices,” he new enhancements to the Asha Platform for indication as to what is happening in the region in terms of going to see Lumia and the power of Nokia with different and we are very focused on it,” Toikkanen said. Giving an said. The Lumia 2520 is designed to work any- even more intuitive navigation. growth,” he said. “The Middle East is very important to us products, screen sizes, price points and colors.” overview of the investments being made by Nokia, he said, where with its vivid 10.1-inch HD display pro- “Asha is very exciting as we reach out to where we have enjoyed a very good market share over the Reddy, however, declined to disclose any specific mar- “We are continuing our long-term investment in core tech- viding the best outdoor and indoor readabili- the emerging markets. We want everyone on years. What’s interesting about the Middle East is that it is a ket shares or numbers for the region. “I can tell you that our nologies. We have been in the mobile telephony industry ty. Building on Nokia’s rich mobility heritage, this planet to have a smartphone. Five billion mix of culture and nationalities. quarterly results will come out in the next few weeks which for the last 25 years now. So, many of our core technologies the Lumia 2520 combines both 4G LTE and Wi- people will have smartphones soon,” Elop said. So, right from the entry devices to the top-end gadgets Fi connectivity and a 6.7MP camera for the Knowing how important free messaging is will give you a global view,” he said. have been constantly upgraded, be it radio technology or we have had very good support in the region,” he pointed first time ever on a tablet, ZEISS optics, letting to people, WhatsApp will be available for the Talking about the Microsoft deal announced on power management over the years,” he said. out. “We are seeing a very good response to our Lumia people click quality pictures - even in low Nokia Asha 501 and is to arrive later in the year September 3, 2013, he said, “Nothing much has changed Talking about the Asha Series, a low-end smartphone devices. Starting from $150 and going all the way up to light. The Lumia 2520 also comes with a num- for the new Asha devices. ever since. I know that there is a key board meeting on series from Nokia with intuitive user interface and unique $600-700, the Lumia range is getting quite a bit of attention ber of unique software experiences that are “We are quite excited about the future. The October 26 and then the regulatory approvals of technology, Toikkanen said, “Asha Series is many things in the region,” he remarked. “Today, consumers want bigger exclusive to the Lumia family, including the statistics are mind-blowing as around 250,000 November,” he said. Microsoft Corp struck a $7 billion deal with the user interface technology at its heart. The genesis screens because they do a lot of browsing, use a lot of apps exclusive “Dragon’s Adventure” interactive Nokia devices sign up for WhatsApp every day. on September 3, 2013 to acquire Nokia Corp’s core cell- of the user interface technology is the acquisition we made and do a lot of social networking,” he said. game developed in partnership with “One swipe to capture and one touch to phone business in what was perceived by the industry ana- a few years ago in Scandinavia. It is not just a single shot The Nokia Lumia 1520, also a 6-inch device, is a high- DreamWorks Animation. share. The new Asha user interface enables lysts as a bold move to consolidate market in the fast-grow- investment, but an accumulated and continuous invest- end phone with applications such as StoryTeller, a 20.7 Additionally, the Lumia 2520 includes faster and easier sharing of images on social ing mobile business. “It is definitely the best choice that the ment in order to bring out new innovations,” he said. megapixel camera and a faster processer. Nokia Storyteller, a Nokia developed applica- networks,” Elop pointed out. The Nokia Asha board has made for us. I believe that Nokia, part of “We, at Nokia, are constantly studying and understand- tion that introduces a new way to curate and 500, Asha 502 and Asha 503 will be available Microsoft, will really have the right impact because we are ing consumer behavior and they don’t seem to want com- Trend-setter relive images and videos as a story on a map, in bright red, bright green, yellow, cyan, white starting to see the momentum now,” he pointed out.