Nokia to build new portfolio of touch-enabled apps

BANGALORE, INDIA: In an interaction with Sharath Kumar of CIOL, Poonam Kaul, Head Communications, Nokia India talks about the company's focus on new touch enabled devices, the Indian market and more.

CIOL: How is Nokia doing when it comes to touch screen phones?

Poonam Kaul: Nokia launched its first touch-enabled device, the Nokia 6108, way back in 2003. Today we have three touch enabled devices – the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic that has seen a very strong demand and captured approximately 20 per cent of the overall touch screen device volumes. Recently, we launched the Nokia 6208 Classic, the first series of 40 touch-input device Nokia 6208 classic.

And more recently, we launched the much awaited Touch-Qwerty device N97 that truly breaks new grounds by enabling a truly personal Internet experience. There will be many other devices coming in the year across different price ranges.

CIOL: Don't you think the price range of these smart phones is keeping them away from mass acceptance?

PK: Nokia was one of the earliest companies to launch a touch-music device designed for the masses, the Nokia 5800XpressMusic, priced at approximately Rs 20,000.

The Indian consumer doesn’t look at price as the only factor while purchasing a mobile device. Our philosophy, therefore, has always been to create devices that break new grounds with new innovative technologies/applications, unique form factors and give our consumers a complete mobile experience by offering relevant services.

CIOL: Moving ahead, what will drive the touch screen phones in these hard times?

PK: Touch screen technology for mobile devices has set the stage for a new paradigm of user experience. Driven by a number of trends including the growing desire for more intuitive interfaces, and personalization options as device functionality increases, as well as decreasing ASPs for touch components and panels, the penetration of touch screens in mobile devices will continue to increase.

The Strategy Analytics research firm predicts that 40 per cent of the mobile phones will incorporate touch sensitive technology by 2012. Worldwide touch devices has seen an increase in the sales by 40 per cent (64 Million Units). A similar trend is seen in India as well, where there has been a considerable interest and buzz created about the touch screen technology, especially amongst the youth.

CIOL: What is Nokia doing to enahance the user experience?

PK: To enhance the experience of the device, Nokia is building a portfolio of touch-enabled applications with third-party developers. There will be a portfolio of touch applications across categories like gaming, music and imaging.

Recently, Nokia has developed a range of innovative touch-based music applications for Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, which gives consumers a personal experience to create music and turns the phone into a musical instrument. This application allows users to play music using virtual keys and recording their own music creation. For instance, this music application can allow someone to play the piano, flute, guitar etc on Nokia 5800 XpressMusic.

Nokia launched its first touch-enabled device, the Nokia 6108, way back in 2003. Today we have three touch enabled devices – the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic that has seen a very strong demand and captured approximately 20 per cent of the overall touch screen device volumes. Recently we launched the Nokia 6208 Classic, the first series of 40 touch-input device Nokia 6208 classic.