Nokia (NYSE: NOK) today announced collaboration with Orange to facilitate device customization and strengthen the role of S60 devices in Orange’s device portfolio.

The focus of the collaboration is to create an Orange specific software package to complement S60 software on Symbian OS and to accelerate the Orange device customization process. This will in turn help S60 device manufacturers, who will benefit from greater cost efficiency and shorter time-to-market. Joint activities will include creating synergies between S60 and Orange roadmaps, and testing Orange specific software assets and application development in cooperation with the Orange Partner organisation and Forum Nokia, Nokia’s global developer program.

Again, it’s good to hear that Nokia is working with telecoms, but wait I don’t want ogly menus from my operator.

The Palm (NSDQ: PALM) Treo 650 smartphone with Intellisync Wireless Email from Nokia (NYSE: NOK) is now available for corporate users in Mexico. The Intellisync behind-the-firewall solution, available from Telcel, offers corporate customers the ability to access and manage their corporate email from their Treo 650 smartphones, greatly enhancing their productivity and access to work-related documents and directories.

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I’ve already posted about WidSets. Well, Nokia (NYSE: NOK) today officially announced them as a phone manufacturer-independent Web 2.0 service, that automatically multicasts preferred RSS feeds and user-generated content. With WidSets, Nokia highlights the power behind the evolution of Web 2.0 – the people, the content they produce and the social networks dynamics, facilitating how mobility enhances Web 2.0’s use and enjoyment.

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Nokia (NYSE: NOK) today introduced Wibree technology as an open industry initiative extending local connectivity to small devices. This new radio technology developed by Nokia Research Center complements other local connectivity technologies, consuming only a fraction of the power compared to other such radio technologies, enabling smaller and less costly implementations and being easy to integrate with Bluetooth solutions. Wibree is the first open technology offering connectivity between mobile devices or Personal Computers, and small, button cell battery power devices such as watches, wireless keyboards, toys and sports sensors. By extending the role mobile devices can play in consumers’ lives, this technology increases the growth potential in these market segments. Read the full article »

Its not just Nokia (NYSE: NOK) anymore the only handset manufacturer with its stores. Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) announced plans to open its first dedicated store in central London enabling consumers to touch and try Sony Ericsson products, learn more about new features and applications first-hand in a relaxed, fun environment. The store, which will open at the end of November, will be located in Kensington High Street, one of London’s prime retail locations.

The new store will provide consumers with a warm and inviting environment where they can come to interact with the Sony Ericsson brand, ask questions and feel comfortable to experiment with new products, services and applications. Specially trained expert staff will be on hand to assist visitors who will also be able to purchase new Sony Ericsson phones, accessories and PC cards connected to a wide range of operator networks as part of a contract, prepay or upgrade package, thanks to a cooperation agreement with Carphone Warehouse who will operate and manage the store. Read the full article »

After Sony Ericsson, we have another birthday happening these days. This time it’s Nokia (NYSE: NOK)’s corporate research unit, Nokia Research Center, which today celebrates its 20th anniversary at its global headquarters in Helsinki, Finland.

Established in 1986, the research center today employs a diverse group of 1,100 researchers located in Finland, China, Germany, Hungary, Japan and the United States. Its work has been at the core of many fundamental telecommunications milestones such as GSM standardization and development, SMS systems, 3G evolution and recently the mobile-TV technology standard DVB-H. It has also carried out instrumental research in mobile multimedia, with major contribution to Java Mobile Media API (JSR-135), M3G Mobile 3D graphics, and audio and video codecs, such as AAC and AMR-WB+. With research work encompassing diverse fields from mobile and IP networks, electronics, software and application development to artificial intelligence, Nokia Research Center is truly a house of experts. It is also a major contributor to Nokia’s patent portfolio, with approximately half of Nokia’s essential patents originating from Nokia Research Center. Read the full article »

Coinciding with its 5th anniversary celebration, Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) today unveils a new look for its global mobile phone brand.

The brand identity includes a new range of vibrant colours, deliberately selected to stand out from the white, grey, black and blue tones used by most technology brands today. In addition to the new colours, there is a strong central concept comprising two key elements – a worded message and the portrayal of sentiment around the Sony Ericsson liquid identity.

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Today, Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and Trimble, a leading innovator of GPS technology, announced a cooperative licensing deal on Trimble’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) patents related to designated wireless products and services involving location technologies, such as GPS, assisted GPS or Galileo. The licensing agreement is exclusive to Nokia for the wireless consumer product and service domain and includes sublicensing rights. In return, Trimble receives a non-exclusive license to Nokia’s location-based patents for use in Trimble’s commercial products and services.

Today, the location-based services industry is experiencing significant growth in the area of navigation; for example car, pedestrian and maritime. Other services such as “local search” – finding relevant information based on one’s location – are also becoming increasingly popular. As more and more location-based services continue to be added to mobile devices, the mobile phone is expected to play a central role in the mass adoption of location-based services by consumers.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Today, Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and Trimble, a leading innovator of GPS technology, announced a cooperative licensing deal on Trimble’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) patents related to designated wireless products and services involving location technologies, such as GPS, assisted GPS or Galileo. The licensing agreement is exclusive to Nokia for the wireless consumer product and service domain and includes sublicensing rights. In return, Trimble receives a non-exclusive license to Nokia’s location-based patents for use in Trimble’s commercial products and services.

Today, the location-based services industry is experiencing significant growth in the area of navigation; for example car, pedestrian and maritime. Other services such as “local search” – finding relevant information based on one’s location – are also becoming increasingly popular. As more and more location-based services continue to be added to mobile devices, the mobile phone is expected to play a central role in the mass adoption of location-based services by consumers.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) reaches its 5th anniversary today and the company has much to celebrate. From a start-up position five years ago, Sony Ericsson has become one of the world’s most appealing mobile communications brands. The company, which is a 50:50 joint venture between Sony and Ericsson, was created in October 2001 and is now the world’s 4th largest telecoms manufacturer with the aim of becoming one of the top three.

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