Nokia talks of war in smartphone market

LAS VEGAS - Agence France-Presse

Nokia CEO Stephen Elop introduces the Lumia 900 smartphone during a news conference on Jan 9 in Las Vegas. Nokia has pinned its hopes on the new model. AP photo

Nokia on Monday declared war in the U.S. smartphone market with a Microsoft-powered handset tailored to take on Apple iPhones and Google-backed Android devices.

Microsoft chief executive Steven Ballmer joined Nokia boss Stephen Elop to reveal the Finnish company’s plans to hit the U.S. market in coming months, with a Lumia 900 smartphone. The price and release date for Lumia 900 was not disclosed, but it will be offered exclusively on the latest generation 4G LTE network of AT&T.

Mini-applications

Lumia 900 runs on Windows mobile software and will tap into the growing trove of hip, fun, or functional mini-applications for handsets based on Microsoft’s latest mobile software.

“We believe the industry has shifted from a battle of devices to a war of ecosystems,” Elop said. “Clearly there are strong contenders on the field in this war of ecosystems. With Lumia, we are establishing beachheads in countries and we will push forward with sales, marketing and successive products.”

Nokia in October introduced the Lumia line, which Elop described as the “first real Windows phones.”
In a presentation loaded with war metaphors, Elop said that Nokia had used Lumia models to establish “beachheads” in Europe, India, and Hong Kong.

The company planned to start the U.S. invasion on Jan. 11 with a Lumia 710 model that will be priced at $49 when bought with T-Mobile service contracts.

“The work Nokia is doing around Windows phone and this third ecosystem is really going to pay off,” Ballmer said, caressing a sleek Lumia 900 touchscreen handset. “When you pick it up and love and touch and feel your Lumia.”

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