Barcelona, SPAIN--To complement its new Lumia and Asha devices, Nokia has also unveiled services across its Windows Phone (WP) and S40 platforms. This move marks the Finland-based company's focus on "building a whole ecosystem", according to Nokia's EVP of sales, Colin Giles. Here at MWC, it is becoming increasingly apparent that handset makers are shifting from an emphasis on specs, and choosing to focus on the user experience instead. Not to be left out, Nokia has chosen to unveil some useful location-based services and education apps this year.
Windows Phone
Nokia Reading (free): The new Reading app is a hub for news, e-books and audio books. It provides you with the ability to access content offline and pin dynamic content on the home screen. For example, breaking news is instantly reflected in the dynamic live tile. It will be available from April on the Windows Phone Marketplace.
Nokia Transport (free): Nokia has also expanded its location services to include public transport information. This new app is able to give step-by-step directions, as well as real-time bus and train information so that you can better plan your route. It will be rolled out for over 500 cities across 46 countries by next month, although only 80 of these cities will receive real-time bus and train information.
Nokia Drive (free): Nokia's useful navigation app has also been updated to include a speed limit feature and full offline capabilities. You'll have to wait until next month to download the updated version.
ED: Do note that some services may not be available in your country, so check with your operators for more details.
S40
Nokia Life (subscription-based): Previously known as Life Tools, Nokia Life is exclusive to the S40 platform. With the aim of imparting useful life skills to people in developing countries via SMS, the suite of services is focused on areas such as education, agriculture and health.
For example, in the field of education, users can learn financial management, entrepreneurial skills and even the English language. Information is delivered via SMS, but users can also choose to call an expert.
The service is currently only available in China, India, Indonesia and Nigeria, but Blanca Juti, VP of mobile phones marketing, says that there is a potential for other markets as well, such as South America.
