Nokia #1 choice for mobile navigation in Europe and Russia

ESPOO, FINLAND: According to the study conducted by Frost & Sullivan among European and Russian consumers, Nokia is the number one choice for mobile navigation over other leading handset manufacturers.

The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the perceptions, understanding, expectations and motivations of European and Russian consumers towards navigation and location-based services.

The key objectives of the study were to analyse consumers' awareness of, and level of satisfaction with different types of navigation systems (e.g., PND, mobile phones), the different features available (e.g., navigation, 3D imagery, voice guidance, touch screen), location-based services (e.g., car and pedestrian navigation, traffic information, social networking) and other telematics features.

The study also aimed at evaluating consumers' perceptions and willingness to pay for different types of navigation systems, their features and location-based services as well as determining consumers' brand awareness and perception.

According to Frost & Sullivan, GPS-enabled devices is a fast growing market segment in Europe, with more than 30 million devices shipped in 2008 and close to 80 million devices expected to be shipped by 2010. In Russia in 2008, the market for navigation-enabled mobile devices grew to over 300 000 units, representing a share of more than 60 percent of the overall navigation market in Russia.

Altogether 3,119 interviews were conducted for this survey in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and Benelux, in addition to 600 interviews conducted in Russia.

According to the study, 62 percent of the non-owners of a navigation system in Europe and 77 percent in Russia consider Nokia as the leading brand for delivering mobile navigation. Additionally, over 72 percent of the current users of a navigation system in Europe and 81 percent in Russia vote Nokia as the best brand for delivering mobile navigation.

"Nokia has clearly excelled in identifying growth opportunities in a maturing mobile handset market by integrating GPS in a large number of its handsets, making them navigation-ready.

With a target of enabling a majority of its new devices with the GPS feature by 2010, coupled with the acquisition of mapping and software companies like NAVTEQ and gate5, the company is clearly building a strong presence in the mobile navigation markets in Europe and elsewhere," comments N. Praveen Chandrasekar, Program Manager, Telematics and Infotainment at Frost & Sullivan.

"This vertical integration strategy along with its position as the leading handset vendor puts the company in a good position to meet the needs of people both already using and considering mobile handset-based navigation systems."

According to Frost & Sullivan, Nokia's acquisition of Navteq last year has enabled it to aggressively venture into the mobile navigation space with a strong product portfolio. With the recent launch of Ovi Maps for mobile and web, the company is expanding its market presence into the service space within the mobile navigation market.

Nokia's aggressive strategies in this market and strong brand recognition among consumers make it a worthy recipient of Frost & Sullivan's 2009 European & Russian Mobile Navigation Leading Brand Awareness Consumer Choice Award.

The latest version of the Ovi Maps for your device is available for download at http://www.nokia.com/maps.

The Ovi Maps Beta on the web is accessible at http://www.maps.ovi.com.

Nokia 3710 fold -- functionality in a compact package

ESPOO, FINLAND: Nokia today unveiled a mobile device that balances eye-catching design with the latest in mobile functionality. The compact Nokia 3710 fold adds a personal touch with an artistic pattern on the cover. Its diverse features are effortless to find and use.

"There is a solid demand for good-looking, intuitive and easy-to-use handsets with modern features," said Markku Suomi, Vice President, Connect devices. "The Nokia 3710 fold packs in a renewed, but instantly familiar user interface that makes the appealing array of features enjoyable to use, offering great value for money."

The Nokia 3710 fold smoothly opens to reveal the bright screen, ideal for displaying the pictures and videos taken with the 3.2 megapixel camera. The memorable moments can be shared online or stored on an optional micro SD card*. Together with the range of Ovi services on offer Nokia brings mobile Internet experiences to a growing number of consumers who want to share their memories, browse those of others, or explore new services and content.

Pioneering a renewed user interface, the Nokia 3710 fold boasts extreme simplicity without compromising functionality. The menus are visually simple and intuitive, and focus on the essential. The new Photo Gallery helps keep photos organized, create slide shows or albums, or attach photos to contacts and more, with just a few clicks. A variety of Nokia devices will support the renewed user interface in the future.

Various location based services offered by the Ovi Store and Nokia Maps are also within thumb's reach, as the Nokia 3710 fold comes with an internal GPS that allows customization of the device to best suit individual needs, be it social networking or pedestrian navigation. A separate navigation license together with Nokia Maps give travelers a full navigation experience.

The Nokia 3710 fold is expected to find its way to pockets and handbags in the fourth quarter of 2009 for an estimated retail price of EUR 140 before taxes and subsidies.

*With an additional micro SD card the memory is expandable up to 8GB