New Nokia web services target emerging markets

Concurrent with the announcement [1] that it will cut hundreds of jobs, reorganize its Nokia Research Center and shutter its Turku, Finland office, handset giant Nokia said it will introduce a range of affordable mobile devices and new web services targeting consumers in emerging markets. Citing demand based on customer feedback, Nokia said it will initially focus on email, agriculture and education: Mail on Ovi, enabled on Nokia Series 40 devices, offers users email accounts directly on the mobile phone sans PC access. Mail on Ovi trials will launch in select markets by the end of November, with a global rollout planned across all currently shipping Nokia Series 40 devices by the end of 2008.

Nokia will also introduce Nokia Life Tools, a series of agriculture information and education applications created especially for rural and small town communities in emerging markets. The services boast an icon-based, graphically rich user interface complete with tables that can display information simultaneously in two languages. Nokia adds that related SMS-based services will guarantee Life Tools services work anywhere within network range, without the complexities of additional settings or the need for GPRS coverage. Nokia plans to launch the service in the first half of 2009. In addition, Nokia announced the launch of seven new budget-priced mobile phones, including the Nokia 7100 Supernova and the Nokia 5130 XpressMusic.

For more on Nokia's emerging markets efforts:
- read this release [2]

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