Microsoft and Nokia have become quick friends thanks to Windows Phone, and the partnership is only growing stronger with the move to Windows Phone 8.
In addition to debuting Windows Phone 8 on a prototype Nokia handset, the new mobile OS is dropping Microsoft's own Bing for maps and adopting Nokia's Navteq-based service to provide 3D maps across all Windows Phones.
- Windows Phone 8 - release date and latest details
The partnership makes sense, given that Nokia's Lumia 900 handsets have given the Windows Phone platform new life in the marketplace.
However, the relationship is mutually beneficial, as Nokia needs Windows Phone just as much as the OS needs it.
After Nokia's Symbian OS fell through the company needed a change, and the crowded Android market has proven a tough nut to crack.
The manufacturer has put its focus in Windows Phone development as a result, leading to its close relationship with Microsoft today.
A new day for Nokia, but not its customers
While Nokia itself is riding high with the official unveiling of Windows Phone 8, early adopters of and supporters of Windows Phone are getting left in the cold.
One of the key features for Windows Phone 8 will be support for dual-core chips, with the rest of the OS feature set built around that extra processing power.
Despite the surge of popularity Nokia's Lumia line brought to Windows Phone, those users are now left unable to take advantage of the new OS, including Nokia's integrated 3D maps.
Windows Phone 8 essentially sets the install base back to zero, which gives Microsoft the opportunity to raise up other manufacturers alongside Nokia.
A Microsoft spokesperson told TechRadar:
"The momentum of Windows Phone is picking up in a wide variety of ways. Nokia is a critical partner for us, but we are also deeply committed to a number of other OEMS.
"We know that HTC is more committed than ever, and Huawei is coming on board this year too which opens up a lot of opportunity for us. We're in this for the long run, and we're happy that Windows Phone has become a credible third ecosystem in the eyes of many of our mobile operator and OEM partners."
While Microsoft is quick to name drop HTC and Huawei as new Windows Phone 8 manufacturers, history suggests that their handsets will be conversions of their existing Android hardware.
Nokia, with its close ties to Microsoft and built-in Windows Phone 8 integration could still come out on top when it brings out new hardware later this year.
Assuming that Lumia 900 adopters aren't still sore from being left behind.
Vodafone cuts 3G tariffs by up to 80 percent - thinkdigit.com
Vodafone has intensified the price war in the 3G space by slashing its tariffs by up to 80 percent. After the price revision, the second in less than a month, Vodafone's entry-level 3G data plan now start at Rs. 25 for 25MB, and goes up to Rs. 1,599 for 12GB data usages. Usage beyond the stipulated data usage on each plan will be charged at 2 paise/10KB.
Under the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) plan, available for prepaid customers, the rate has been slashed to 2 paise per 10 KB from earlier 10paise per 10KB. Vodafone claims that PAYG is now the cheapest 3G tariff plan in the market right now.
Vodafone is also allowing its 3G subscribers to use data from their bundled package while on net-roaming across any location in the country without any extra charge. Apart from the Rs. 25 and Rs. 1,599 data plans, there are also Rs. 45 and Rs. 100 data plans that offer 150MB (for seven days) and 300MB (for 30 days) of 3G data respectively. Also, users have a Rs. 200 plan, which offers 500MB of data for 30 days, while Rs 250 will provide 1GB of data for 30 days.
The operator is also offering 1.5GB of 3G data for Rs. 375, 2GB of data for Rs. 450, 3GB for Rs. 650, 4 GB for Rs. 750, 5 GB for Rs. 850, 8 GB for Rs. 1,250, 10 GB for Rs. 1,500, and 12 GB for Rs. 1,599 respectively. All these plans come with 30 days of validity.
Over the last month, all major telecom operators such Airtel, Idea and Reliance have cut their 3G prices to increase revenues, and popularise 3G services in the country. The price war was triggered after Airtel launched its 4G services in the country and later slashed its 3G tariffs by up to 70 percent.
Experts, however, suggest telcos should raise rates instead of lowering 3G tariffs, as most of them are reeling under hefty debts after buying 3G licence. Moreover, after cancellation of 2G licences allocated in a scam-tainted 2008 auction, telcos need to up their revenues for fresh bids.
It's notable that the expansion of 3G has been slower than expected in the country, especially because of the high tariff rates. According to an estimate, the number of 3G users in the country is around 20 million, which is less than 2 percent of the 900 million-plus GSM user base in the country. However, with the arrival of low-cost 3G smartphones, 3G coverage might increase in the coming years.
For more, read More 3G for less: Which plans make sense for you?
Also read,
- Aircel cuts 3G tariffs, offers 1GB of data at Rs. 198
- Vodafone revises 3G tariffs; offers 1GB data at Rs. 251
- RCom cuts 3G tariffs; data plans now start Rs. 250/1GB
Nokia PureView 808 to Debut in U.S. for $699 - mobilenapps.com
Nokia's PureView 808 is all set to make its debut in U.S. The Symbian-powered device will be available for $699 on Amazon.
Chris Weber, Nokia's US chief confirmed this news in a blog post. The innovative smartphone will be available without any subsidy or lock in Amazon. But most of the unlocked device comes with a heavy price tag and the PureView won't be an exception here. People get to choose their preferred mobile operator. The smartphone can be used with AT&T and T-Mobile. But the problem with T-Mobile is, it will work at 2G speeds only.
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For those who don't know about the Nokia 808 PureView yet, it's a Symbian mobile operating system based phone with a stunning 41 megapixel sensor camera. This camera also features Carl Zeiss optics and a latest pixel oversampling technology by Nokia. Moreover, you can zoom up to 3x without losing any details or creating artificial pixels in your images.
Another attractive feature of this device is full HD 1080p video recording with Nokia's rich audio recording feature that allows users to record audio with CD-like quality. This feature was available using only external microphones earlier. Nokia is planning to add this feature into the upcoming Windows mobile operating system based devices.
Amazon is planning to start the pre-sales from this week. But people interested to try this device should think again as its packed with an almost-dead mobile operating system, Symbian. People interested in trying this device can sign up on Nokia's website to receive notification when this device is available in the market.
Vodafone Turns Top Dividend Payer - Analyst Blog - NASDAQ
British mobile phone giant Vodafone Group Plc ( VOD ) rewarded its shareholders with the largest ever dividend amid the ongoing weakness and uncertainties in Europe. The company has also become the top dividend payer in the FTSE 100.
Vodafone has been distributing exceptional dividends to its shareholders. In February, the company paid a special and interim dividend of £0.0705 per share, including the £0.04 per share dividend of Verizon Wireless, its joint venture with Verizon Communications Inc. ( VZ ).
In addition, Vodafone is expected to pay a final dividend of £0.0647 per share on August 1, to shareholders of record as of June 8. This dividend represents a 7.0% increment year over year, marking the company's target of minimum 7% dividend growth per annum by March 2013.
Cumulatively, total dividend per share in fiscal 2012 increased more than 50% compared with last year despite the loss of dividends from China Mobile Limited ( CHL ) and SFR. Vodafone continues to expect total dividend per share to be at least £0.1018 for fiscal 2013.
As part of the strategy to exit minority holdings,Vodafone realized about £15 billion from the sale of stakes in China Mobile, Softbank Corporation, SFR and Polkomtel over the last two years. The company decided to return part of the proceeds (£6.8 billion) to shareholders in the form of share buybacks. The company expects its share buyback plan to be completed in the near term.
Over the last four years, the company returned almost £26 billion to shareholders, which represents 30% of the market capitalization at the end of fiscal 2012.
The divestiture of minority holdings has also strengthened the company's balance sheet position. Vodafone's net debt reduced to £24.42 billion at the end of fiscal 2012 from £29.86 billion last year. The company generated free cash flow of £6.1 billion, down 13.4% year over year but within the guidance range of £6.0-£6.5 billion.
Free cash flow is expected to remain stable in the range of £5.3 billion to £5.3 billion for fiscal 2013, excluding any dividend received from Verizon Wireless.
We are currently maintaining our long-term Neutral recommendation on Vodafone. For the short term (1-3 months), the stock retains a Zacks #3 (Hold) Rank.
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Can Nokia's Windows Phone 8 3D mapping compete with new Google Maps and iOS services? - Techradar.com
Microsoft announced this morning at a highly publicized press conference that Windows Phone 8, which will launch this fall, will drop Bing Maps in favor of Nokia's own 3D mapping service on all devices.
The announcement doesn't come as a surprise, as reports have been coming in for over a week that Nokia Maps would replace Bing Maps.
- Windows Phone 8 - release date and latest details
And Nokia's services, including Navteq and Where, were already tightly integrated with Bing Maps.
So while the transition should prove easy for Windows Phone 8 users, the real question is whether Nokia's maps services will be able to compete with the newly expanded Google Maps and the just-revealed Apple iOS 6 maps app.
Google Maps brings 3D and offline offerings
Google revealed an expanded Google Maps suite at their offices earlier this month, timing their conference smartly to preempt Apple's announcement that they're dropping Google's service.
The new Google Maps will feature 3D mapping similar to the technology that Nokia's maps will utilize, though it remains to be seen how the two will stack up.
Google's fleet of aerial capture planes should provide it with some edge over competitors, though.
The other big new feature for Google Maps is offline mode, which allows Android users to view maps without an internet connection.
Microsoft today confirmed that Nokia will also support offline maps, a move that will help it compete with Google Maps.
Apple's iOS 6 maps focus on navigation
Despite the expanded Google Maps bringing some oft-requested features, Apple decided to shun the service for iOS 6 and adopt an internal solution instead.
The iOS 6 maps app focuses on ease of use and proliferation, reportedly providing global maps for all countries and 100 million business listings with Yelp integration and a built-in traffic service.
Its other big new feature is turn-by-turn navigation, which Microsoft today confirmed Nokia Maps will match.
Like Nokia Maps and Google Maps, iOS 6's mapping service provides full 3D images, which appears to be the way of the future.
There are doubtless some features of Nokia Maps that have yet to be revealed, and only persistent practical usage will prove which service does what best.
A Windows Phone spokesperson told TechRadar that the company has nothing to share at this time regarding the future of mapping technology.
Nokia stresses key features
Nokia sent a statement to TechRadar outlining their key Nokia Maps features, including turn-by-turn navigation (in the US, Canada and UK), offline maps, 3D mapping, and "the most business listings".
The statement also stressed that Nokia's mapping service is "an intelligent, learning location platform that makes the real world computable by blending reference data from all the places and objects in the physical world with a digital footprint of user activity data from millions of users (using mobile devices)."
Nokia stressed that their "location platform" will power maps services on all Windows Phone 8 devices, and not just Nokia's own.
TechRadar awaits comment from Google.
Windows Phone 8 upgrade catch may dash Nokia's U.S. dreams - CNET News
Nokia's Lumia 900, like all other current Windows Phones, will be left stranded with an older operating system.
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)commentary Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 operating system looks great. Too bad anyone who actually cared enough to buy a Windows Phone over the past two years will be left out in the cold.
Microsoft today unveiled Windows Phone 8 and confirmed old phones wouldn't be able to upgrade to the new version. Chalk it up to another brilliant move by Microsoft: unveil a sparkling new version of its fledgling operating system, only to deny the very people who would want to use it.Nokia will feel the heat the most. The company has bet its future on Windows Phone, and has touted its lineup of Lumia smartphones as the marquee handsets using Microsoft's mobile platform. But with its current line of Lumia phones stuck at Windows 7.5, what exactly is Nokia going to tell buyers who will soon be stuck on a generation-old operating system? Sorry? Thanks for buying, sucker?
Nokia already had little cachet and even less goodwill with consumers in the U.S. Microsoft's decision to bar older Windows Phone devices from an upgrade kills any credibility Nokia had left in the U.S. Sure, many technically savvy consumers probably held off on buying the recent Lumia phones, and there were hints that this might happen. But there were still a lot of consumers who bought the Lumia 710 or Lumia 900. Nokia's gamble was a particularly risky one in the U.S. After being the maker of the de facto phone here a decade ago, the company lost its standing to rivals such as Motorola and Samsung Electronics and was reduced to a niche brand for phone enthusiasts. As a result, the company had to spend a lot to promote the Lumia 900 and establish a beachhead -- burning cash at a time when its financial performance has been cratering and the company has been announcing layoffs for thousands of workers. The core dilemma for Nokia in the U.S. is its challenge in revitalizing a long-faded brand using a little-known mobile operating system. Nokia could have jumped on the Android bandwagon but opted to further set itself apart with its sole commitment to partner with Microsoft.
The new start screen for Windows Phone 8.
(Credit: Microsoft)The frustrating part is Nokia had a great shot at breaking into the U.S. AT&T backed the Lumia 900 with its biggest campaign, and both Nokia and AT&T called it their flagship phone. But after a strong start, the phone's momentum quickly waned.
Well, it's clear now everyone should have waited for the Windows Phone 8 version of the Lumia. Rather than a flagship phone, it now appears more like a stopgap to something better. Windows Phone 8 is expected to be dramatically better. In addition to a wide number of new features, the key advancement is a tighter integration with the PC and tablet-centric Windows 8 operating system, with common cores between the two. Microsoft said it will release an incremental upgrade to Windows Phone 7 to bring the updated Windows Phone 8 tile interface to existing users. But that's cold comfort for people who went out on a limb with Windows Phone. In comparison, Apple is great at ensuring some of its older phones get access to the newest version of iOS, even if the results aren't always the smoothest. And though Android updates can be frustratingly slow (blame the carriers), they do come. Microsoft has shown in recent days a willingness to irk its partners, so perhaps this shouldn't be a surprise. But Microsoft has a lot of explaining to do, to its key partner, Nokia, and to the customer -- both of whom got shafted.Nokia: Windows Phone 7 Will Live On - PC Magazine
Windows Phone 7 will live on even after Windows 8 goes on sale, Nokia senior vice president Kevin Shields said today. Whether it's through existing Lumia 900 devices or even potential new models, the move to Windows Phone 8 won't be a sudden break.
"We're going to keep investing in Windows Phone 7 and continuing to grow the Windows Phone ecosystem for quite some time," Shields said. "I expect application providers to release apps that run on both Windows Phone 7 and Windows Phone 8."
Shields stopped just short of promising that Nokia would use Windows Phone 7 as the OS for the low-cost Windows Phones that Nokia's CEO, Stephen Elop, promises for emerging markets. But the hinting was pretty intense.
"We don't talk about unannounced products. We see Windows Phone 7 as a pretty important part of investing in Windows Phone, and we're really enthusiastic about Windows Phone 8 and what it unlocks in terms of hardware innovation," he said.
Nokia is walking a tightrope here. As we discovered today, Windows Phone 8 is a radical reboot of Microsoft's OS to support more powerful processors, higher-res screens and greater compatibility with Windows 8. But Nokia is currently selling the Lumia 900, which won't get a Windows Phone 8 upgrade - it'll only go to "Windows Phone 7.8," which improves the phone's start screen but doesn't include new APIs for more powerful apps.
"The Lumia 900 is a great value, and innovation is going to be coming to it for quite some time," Shields said. "In the short to medium term, an application developer will have a really easy time developing and delivering experiences that with well on both 7 and 8," he said.
Microsoft borrowed Nokia's maps for Windows Phone 8, but Nokia will still be able to offer better experiences than other phone makers, even in navigation, Shields said.
"We've got a lot of creativity and investment beyond simple navigation," Shields said.
One much-anticipated feature is PureView, Nokia's pixel-merging, up-to-41-megapixel camera technology. But Shields shied away from saying PureView requires Windows Phone 8.
"We're certainly investing deeply in PureView and we fully intend to bring it to Windows Phone … [but] there's not much of a story to be told in respect to Windows Phone 8 and PureView," Shields said.
Microsoft said Nokia would build Windows Phone 8 devices, but Nokia doesn't have anything to show quite yet, Shields said.
"Stay tuned. We have some things up our sleeves that we think you'll definitely see up the ante," Shields said.
The first Windows Phone 8 devices are expected to come this fall. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless have all confirmed that they'll carry Windows Phone 8.
Nokia Lumia 710 given Dark Knight Rises makeover - T3.com
Nokia has confirmed it is to expand its range of Batman themed Lumia handsets with the mid-range Windows Phone packing Nokia Lumia 710 coming in for a Dark Knight Rises makeover.
Following on from its high-end Lumia 800 sibling, Nokia has revealed that those looking to pick up the 3.7-inch Lumia 710 will now be able to plump for a special edition Dark Knight Rises branded option. What’s more, existing Lumia 710 owners will be able to select a new Dark Knight Rises cover free of charge.
Nokia Lumia 710 Dark Knight Rises Edition Specs
Unlike the Batman branded Lumia 800 which features the superhero’s infamous mark etched into the polycarbonate rear, 710 owners will be able to choose a selection of various hued interchangeable rear covers all of which will have the upcoming film’s logo splashed across them.
Available in five separate colour tones, those looking to add some Batman themed frivolity to their handset can select from cyan, white, magenta, yellow and the very fitting black options.
Underneath the hood the Dark Knight themed handsets are the same as the original Nokia Lumia 710 with a 1.4GHz single-core processor lining up alongside an 800 x 480p resolution 3.7-inch display and 512MB of RAM. With a 5-megapixel camera on the rear, the Lumia 710 is capable of capturing 720p HD video content at an impressive 30 frames-per-second.
Nokia Lumia 800 Dark Knight Rises Edition Release Date
Available in the UK now, Nokia’s latest collaboration with the upcoming Batman flick will be available from retailers until August 31st and can be snapped up on a selection of different tariffs and on a PAYG basis.
Are you tempted by the new Nokia Lumia 710? Did the Batman themed finish push you over the edge? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.
Vodafone “Explores Greece” with its free smartphone travel app - e-Travel Blackboard
Vodafone, the London-based global telecom giant in collaboration with the Greek National Tourism Organisation and the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels has introduced Vodafone Explore Greece, an innovative smartphone application geared to promote Greece as a destination to Vodafones millions of subscribers worldwide.
The free application, aiming to make information on the Greek tourism product easier to access, will be promoted to Vodafones massive international subscriber-base, a move that will no-doubt have a positive impact on the promotion of Greeces tourism product on a global level.
The Vodafone Explore Greece application enables us to talk about Greece; to highlight our countrys unique natural beauty, our culture and high level of services available, said at the press conference Mr. Glafkos Persianis, CEO of Vodafone Greece. Through our technology and international presence, we are contributing to the efforts underway to furthering the development of our country.
The Vodafone Explore Greece app, available in both Greek and English, provides a range of useful information for those planning to visit Greece, and is also ideal for those already in Greece wanting instant destination-specific information.
The app, is free to download for all Android Smartphone users worldwide, even for non-Vodafone subscribers, and features a plethora of original content that makes it unique to other travel apps. Its simple to use, includes rich and dynamic audiovisual content that is constantly updated, while the apps GPS capability provides users with information on what to see and do close to where they are.
Smartphone android users, who download Vodafones Explore Greece app, will be able to get information on different tourist destinations in Greece, including information on accommodation, events, entertainment, food, nightlife, etc., as well as detailed interactive maps of places they want to visit.
In addition, the application will provide them with information on beaches, history art, culture, geography, etc., but also resources of not-to-be-missed areas of natural beauty, tourist attractions, archaeological sites, museums, and close to 50,000 different points of interest in Greece. Subscribers who dont speak Greek will also be able to use a common phrases translation tool, which for added convenience includes sound.
Key to the apps success is its interactivity, as users can share and upload photos on facebook. Subscribers around the world will also get a special treat, as Vodafone has secured a series of offers from which they can benefit from.
Integral to the development of the app was Vodafones collaboration with the GNTO and the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels. The public-private partnership is geared to promote Greek tourism, and provide a tool, which people from all the world can remotely access, in order to view and learn about one of the worlds most beautiful destinations, Greece.
Vodafone Explore Greece is already available for mobile smartphones running Android and will soon be made available for the iPhone in the coming days.
At the press conference, Secretary General of the Greek Tourism Organisation, Mr. George Koletsos, said: "Our cooperation with Vodafone is a pioneering move aimed at the targeted marketing and promotion of the Greek tourism product. Our strategy and objective is to create a dynamic network of partnerships that will maximize the promotion of Greek tourism with zero cost to the public service. This public-private partnership represents an innovative approach whose goal is to support the national effort, undertaken by all, to strengthen the tourism industry and maximize, as a result, the social and economic benefits.
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