Nokia and Microsoft announced a partnership that would bring Windows Phone 7 to Nokia handsets. The two companies would collaborate to build the third major mobile platform, bringing the best of Nokia’s services to Microsoft’s mobile platform and establishing Windows Phone as the platform of choice for Nokia’s smartphone lineup. The deal has major repercussions for the both the two companies involved and the mobile industry at large.
In its press release, Nokia and Microsoft detailed the major points of this collaboration which include:
- Nokia would adopt Windows Phone as its principal smartphone strategy, innovating on top of the platform in areas such as imaging, where Nokia is a market leader.
- Nokia would help drive the future of Windows Phone. Nokia would contribute its expertise on hardware design, language support, and help bring Windows Phone to a larger range of price points, market segments and geographies.
- Nokia and Microsoft would closely collaborate on joint marketing initiatives and a shared development roadmap to align on the future evolution of mobile products.
- Bing would power Nokia’s search services across Nokia devices and services, giving customers access to Bing’s next generation search capabilities. Microsoft adCenter would provide search advertising services on Nokia’s line of devices and services.
- Nokia Maps would be a core part of Microsoft’s mapping services. For example, Maps would be integrated with Microsoft’s Bing search engine and adCenter advertising platform to form a unique local search and advertising experience
- Nokia’s extensive operator billing agreements would make it easier for consumers to purchase Nokia Windows Phone services in countries where credit-card use is low.
- Microsoft development tools would be used to create applications to run on Nokia Windows Phones, allowing developers to easily leverage the ecosystem’s global reach.
- Nokia’s content and application store would be integrated with Microsoft Marketplace for a more compelling consumer experience.
In the end, both Nokia and Microsoft expect this joint venture to create a mobile platform that will compete with Android and iOS. Details on when Nokia’s first Windows Phone handset was not announced, but Stephen Elop and Steve Ballmer did confirm development teams from both companies were already working together.
A video of the announcement is available here.
The full press release is available on the next page.