Nokia Corporation (NOK”>NOK) plans to launch its first LTE-based Window smartphone called Nokia Lumia 900 on AT&T’s (T) network. The new handset, based on LTE technology, offers faster downloading speed and will be launched in the U.S. market in the upcoming months.
In December last year, Nokia also launched its first Windows smartphones called Nokia Lumia 710 on T-Mobile networks, mainly targeting the low-end U.S. market, and is priced at a mere $50. The new device will hit the U.S. market on January 11, 2012.
Earlier, in November, 2011, the company launched its Windows Phone 7 based smartphones called Nokia Lumia 800 and Nokia Lumia 710 in select European markets.
Both the Nokia Lumia 800 and 710 phones lack popular features like 4G network support, dual-core processor and front-facing cameras and resulted in tepid demand across European markets. However, Nokia Lumia 900, which is slated to be released in the U.S., has managed to overcome those flaws of the older models.
At present, the smartphone market in the United States is being dominated by Google Inc’s (GOOG”>GOOG) Android-based smartphone and Apple Inc’s (AAPL”>AAPL) iPhones. The powerful operating systems of these phones are making them popular among the U.S customers. Currently, in the U.S. Google’s Android-based smartphones hold approximately 46.9% market share followed by Apple with 28.7% market share, while Nokia holds a mere 1.5% share.
To turnaround the declining sales, Nokia has teamed up with Microsoft Corporation (MSFT”>MSFT) in 2011 to adopt its Windows Phone 7 operating system, thereby sidelining its own less user-friendly Symbian operating system and the much-hyped Linux-based MeeGo software.
Currently, Nokia has a Zacks #4 Rank, implying a short-term Sell rating on the stock.
Nokia seems to be optimistic with its future product launches. The company plans to launch its next-generation tablets based on upcoming Windows 8 software. The new device is expected to be available by the end of the second half of 2012. This device, coupled with other product launches will certainly help the company gain market traction going forward.
Based in Espoo, Finland, Nokia Corporation is the largest mobile phone maker of the world. The company also provides Internet services, comprehensive digital map information, and equipment, solutions and services throughout the world.
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