Nokia, T-Mobile Team For Mobile Content

Nokia and T-Mobile announced a deal to promote and distribute mobile content and Internet services for the Nokia Series 40 platform.

Consumers will be able to browse and download widgets from T-Mobile's catalog and the recently announced Nokia Ovi Store through the carrier's web'n'walk platform. The widgets will be Java-based and will include stocks, weather, and other Internet-based information.

"T-Mobile and Nokia share a joint vision of offering an unparalleled mobile Internet experience to its customers," said Rainer Deutschmann, T-Mobile's senior VP of mobile Internet, in a statement. "The co-existence of our widget gallery with Nokia's Ovi Store ensures customers have access to an extensive range of interesting and relevant Internet services that they can customize according to their personal preferences."

The web'n'walk platform will be launched this spring, and it aims to bring Web-based features normally associated with smartphones to midlevel phones. It will enable customers to customize their home screens to have one-click access to Web services.

The Ovi Store is Nokia's attempt to capitalize on the growing demand for mobile applications and content, which was brought to the forefront by the success of Apple's App Store for the iPhone 3G and iPod Touch. The world's largest cell phone manufacturer is trying to outdo its rivals by expanding its application store to more than just smartphones. Nokia also said it would be implementing location and social networking features into its virtual storefront for mobile programs.

"Nokia Series 40 devices offer a great platform to deliver the Ovi Store experience and once the Ovi Store is available, you'll be able to enjoy the most relevant content from the people and places that matter to you," said Urpo Karjalainen, senior VP of Nokia's operator channels.

Widgets, applications, and mobile programs are enabling road warriors to use their smartphones to be more productive. InformationWeek looked at how the smartphone could ultimately become a replacement for laptops, and the report can be downloaded here (registration required).

Source : http://www.informationweek.com/