Nokia purchased another mobile operating system, as the company adds another tool to succeed in the low-end market.The Finnish phone maker acquired Smarterphone, a Norwegian company that developed an OS for basic feature phones. The platform brings some of the features of basic smartphones to feature phones.
The company will likely couple Smarterphone's technology with its Symbian OS to create a platform that stands out in the feature phone market. Nokia's partnership with Microsoft currently thrives in Europe, where the Windows Phone-powered Lumia devices enjoy brisk sales. However, Nokia will need a solid platform in its feature phones to capture share in emerging markets.
Nokia is still one of the largest handset makers in the world, with a two-pronged plan to reestablish itself as a major player. High-end Windows Phone devices from Nokia are expected to make a big splash at the Consumer Electronics Show, as the company unveils its plans for the U.S.
However, the manufacturer looks to bolster its current strengths, and its purchase of Smarterphone will further develop its already strong perch in feature phones. The company caters to the low-end market overseas, keeping Nokia afloat even as it fell out of favor in the U.S. in the past few years. A revamped Symbian OS with some of Smarterphone's technology will keep Nokia in the feature phone game, and serve as a strong backbone while the handset maker expands into high-end handsets.
Whether Nokia's purchase indicates a new OS for feature phones, or an attempt to snatch up valuable patents and talent, the move puts the company in a stronger position moving forward.
Nokia is fighting to make its way back to relevance in the mobile phone market, but its deal with Windows and its aggressive move to purchase Smarterphone are signs the company is on the right track.
