Nokia is one of the most recognisable names in the mobile phone market and created a wide range of iconic handsets including the 3310, 3650 and much more. Prior to the smartphone revelation, Nokia was a key player and enjoyed a dominant market position. Sadly, the company struggled to compete with Apple and the influx of Android handsets. Eventually, Nokia was acquired by Microsoft who used the Lumia brand to push their mobile operating system. Sadly, this was a complete failure and Microsoft failed to make inroads into Android and iOS’ market share.
Thankfully, Nokia isn’t completely finished in the smartphone sector and looks set for a resurgence next year. A company created by former Nokia employees entitled HMD Global has licensed the Nokia branding and created a manufacturing partnership with Foxconn. Interestingly, the company plans to release Android-based Nokia handsets in 2017 and beyond. The head of HMD Global, Arto Nummela said:
“Consumers may be carrying different smartphones now, but are they really in love and loyal to those brands?”
“We want to be one of the key competitive players in the smartphone business.”
While it’s exceedingly difficult to enter the smartphone sector and quickly become a major player, Nokia might have a good chance due to the company’s history. Nokia is a pioneering mobile phone company with a rich heritage, although I’m not entirely sure how much brand loyalty exists for them in 2016. Whatever the case, I’m pleased to see Nokia making a comeback and looking forward to their new handsets.
