Predictions on Nokia’s new platform strategy: new OS for the US | asymco.
Here are my predictions from January 27 for the February 11 Nokia strategy announcement followed by the actual quotes from Nokia’s press release:
- Prediction: There will be a multiple OS strategy.
Actual: The following sub-units [make up] Smart Devices: Symbian Smartphones, MeeGo Computers, Strategic Business Operations. To support the planned new partnership with Microsoft, Smart Devices will be responsible for creating a winning Windows Phone portfolio.
- Prediction: The US market will be the first to see a new non-Nokia OS. I would guess Windows Phone with AT&T.
Actual: “Plans for a broad strategic partnership with Microsoft to build a new global mobile ecosystem; Windows Phone would serve as Nokia’s primary smartphone platform”
- Low end devices will remain with Symbian due to price considerations for the chipsets, components.
Actual: “Symbian becomes a franchise platform, leveraging previous investments to harvest additional value. This strategy recognizes the opportunity to retain and transition the installed base of 200 million Symbian owners. Nokia expects to sell approximately 150 million more Symbian devices in the years to come.”
- Prediction: MeeGo will be phased out in phone products but development will continue for tablets
Actual: Under the new strategy, MeeGo becomes an open-source, mobile operating system project. MeeGo will place increased emphasis on longer-term market exploration of next-generation devices, platforms and user experiences
More details to follow, but so far it looks like there are no surprises.