By now, you’ve likely read about Nokia’s Devices and Services division being acquired in a deal by Microsoft. You’ve also likely read about the movement of CEO Stephen Elop amongst others back to Redmond and Microsoft. What has been less clear is the fallout likely to come from this deal as well as the reasoning behind this acquisition.
In a deal that would surprise noone in it’s happening but everyone in it’s timing, Microsoft will be acquiring Nokia’s Devices and services division in addition to licensing a significant portion of Nokia’s patents in addition to their mapping services. The deal in it’s entirety amounts to 5.4 Billion Euros paid in cash, 3.79 Billion for devices and services 1.65 Billion for the associated patents.
The transaction will see 32,000 Nokia employees transitioned over to Microsoft including 4,700 in Finland and 18,300 employed in manufacturing positions worldwide. In addition, a significant number of senior executives are expected to be transferring to positions within Microsoft, including Stephen Elop, Jo Harlow, Juha Putkiranta, Timo Toikkanen, and Chris Weber.
This is an absolutely monumental transaction and will go a long way towards shaping the smartphone landscape for years to come. We will keep you updated with any details as we receive them.
Nokia 6102i6103 phones add popular Bluetooth technology to highly successful mid-range compact fold design
NOKIA PRESS RELEASE January 5, 2006
Nokia makes two of its most popular phones even better with Bluetooth technology
Nokia 6102i/6103 phones add popular Bluetooth technology to highly successful mid-range compact fold design
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Building upon the popularity of the Nokia 6101 and Nokia 6102 phones, Nokia (NYSE: NOK) today announced the Nokia 6102i and Nokia 6103 phones, both of which add the convenience of Bluetooth technology to the already strong feature sets found on these compact mid-range fold-style phones. The Nokia 6102i phone carries on the same striking design found on the Nokia 6102 phone, while the new Nokia 6103 phone features an updated modern look but retains the compact size and exceptional ease-of-use that made the Nokia 6101 phone such a hit with customers. The Nokia 6102i and Nokia 6103 phones will be available in a GSM 900/1800/1900 version primarily for markets in Europe, Africa and Asia while a GSM 850/1800/1900 version will be available primarily for markets in the Americas. Both phones are planned to be available during the 1st quarter of 2006 and are expected to retail for approximately ?200, before applicable taxes or subsidies.
The addition of Bluetooth technology to this popular phone platform opens up a myriad of options for owners to increase the productivity and convenience of their mobile experience. Nokia offers a wide array of Bluetooth technology-enabled enhancements such as wireless car kits and wireless headsets as part of its line of mobile enhancements. Today, Nokia announced a new trio of wireless headsets including one of the smallest such devices ever made available. Additionally, with an increasing number of products being introduced to market incorporating Bluetooth technology – from laptops to automobiles – owners of the Nokia 6102i and Nokia 6103 phones will find an ever expanding number of ways to use their mobile devices.
“The Nokia 6101 and Nokia 6102 phones have proven to be extremely successful. The combination of a modern, compact folding design with a strong feature set and Nokia’s easy-to-use interface has proven to be an irresistible draw for customers shopping for a mid-range handset,” said Aage Snorgaard senior vice president of broad appeal products for Nokia. “With Bluetooth technology currently being on the top of many customers ‘wish lists’, the addition of Bluetooth technology to this equation will make the Nokia 6102i and Nokia 6103 phones even more attractive to wireless consumers.”
Along with Bluetooth technology, the Nokia 6102i and Nokia 6103 phones offer a strong feature set including a VGA camera with dedicated camera key, Nokia Xpress audio messaging for sending audio clips with just the touch of a few buttons and dual color screens with support for animated wallpapers and screensavers. Synchronizable contact and calendar information, voice dialing and recording and a built-in handsfree speakerphone make the Nokia 6102i and Nokia 6103 phones a perfect productivity companion, while an integrated FM radio and downloadable content support including MIDI and MP3 ring tones, themes and games satisfy the need for fun.
