Highlights from Mobile World Congress 2011

Yet another MWC got over. A record 60,000+ visitors, 1400+ booths and all that. Though I expected that the recently announced Nokia-Microsoft deal would be a dominant theme amongst visitors, I was wrong. It was Android, Android and some more Android. Sign of things to come.

Lets look at the keynotes of Google and Microsodt CEO. The first keynote speech was delivered by the outgoing Google Chairman and CEO, Eric Schmidt (watch the video here). He starts off by claiming Android is the fastest growing smartphone computer. With hundreds of devices and over 150,000+ apps, there is no need to validate his claim. With advances in hardware and data networks, he feels the next big thing would be cloud computing. He reminds that the smartphone sales has over taken PC sales (An year ago he thought it would take 2 years). He said that the futures is for masses and not for elites as information access is no more the privilege of a few elites.
Microsoft's Steve Ballmer in his keynote (video here) said that WP7 would be the most-operator friendly platform and would be good not just for Nokia, but for all. Stephen Elop talks about the Synergy between Nokia and Microsoft (OS features that are operator friendly, development tools for developers from Microsoft and all these combined with Nokia's strength is Industrial Design and Hardware).

Now, let us look at some new devices, starting with Samsung.

Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II seemed to attract a lot of people. LG also had several new devices, including Optimus 3D. The LG Optimus Black is an Android smartphone, packing a  new NOVA display. Sony Ericsson had XPERIA Play. HTC announced 5 new devices and a tablet. Motorola showcassed its Atrix smartphone powerhouse and PRO QWERTY bar. Here is the complete list of new devices.

Over to MWC 2012.

What Nokia should do?

Good for me that I'm not Stephen Elop. That shouldn't stop me from having an opinion though on what Nokia should be doing to become a dominant force again, while waiting curiously on what Elop would announce today.

1. Get rid of Symbian. Also, this can't happen overnight and a long transition time might be needed.  This questions comes with what to replace it with. Haven't seen WP7 much, but feel thats not a great choice, having some experience in the earlier WinMobile platforms. But both Microsoft and Nokia are under siege. It could be a great opportunity for both companies to work as a team and get some wonderful results. Both companies together has the resources and wherewithal to take on the likes of Google and Apple. Atleast from this perspective, some arrangement with Microsoft sounds like a logical choice. Also can it be Android? Perhaps. Would Nokia be able to swallow some pride in exchange of the eco system it brings (note Elop talks about the advantages of the eco-system in his memo). I don't think MeeGo will get to next level and won't be surprised if it is scrapped altogether.

2. Segment focus. Nokia has lost high-end segment to Apple and low-end to local manufacturers in India and China. Can Nokia work on a game changer on the high end segment in the long run and focus to get back the market share in low and mid segments where it has done extremely well in the last several years.

3. Service opportunities: Are there any really? I saw some teaching apps etc., which weren't that exciting. What about their music platform. Something lacks both of these and needs serious revamp.

4. Accessories: Nokia need to build a strong hardware eco-system right away similar to the lines Apple has (speakers, docks etc.,).

5. Mindset: I'm told they have a strong culture and its very difficult to change the mindset (which brought the crisis in the first place). Products should come out a lot faster, designs that should appeal a lot longer and phones should cater to local needs (in the low and mid segment).

Lets see what Elop does,

Nokia's burning

Had never seen/heard such an intense, brutally honest communication from any CEO. Yes, I'm referring to the leaked memo of Nokia's new CEO Stephen Elop. Interesting to wait the strategic shift he plans to announce on the 11th Feb. We will know whether Symbian would die, whether Nokia would embrace Android or as rumors suggest they would go with Windows Phone 7.

Thank you very much,


RamP!
ramp [dot] ramp [at] gmail [dot] com