It appears Nokia smartphones are set to make a comeback in 2017, as
newly formed HMD Global Oy is set to launch a range of devices featuring
the brand name many considered dead.
HMD, founded to provide a
home for a new generation of Nokia-branded phones and tablets, signed a
strategic partnership with Nokia Technologies in May, granting sole use
of the brand and patent licensing over the next 10 years.
In a statement
released on Thursday, HMD confirmed that the new range of devices will
be powered by Google's Android operating system, which makes up 86% of
the smartphone market.
The Finnish tech firm has also partnered
with consumer electronics company FIH Mobile (FIH), which will
manufacture the Nokia-branded devices and provide future research and
development opportunities.
Remember the Nokia 3310? (Photo: Getty) "Today marks a happy and important day for HMD. Nokia has
been one of the most iconic and recognisable phone brands globally for
decades," said Arto Nummela, CEO of HMD Global.
"The excitement
of re-introducing this much loved, well known and trusted brand to
smartphone consumers is a responsibility and an ambition that everyone
at HMD shares.
"We are excited about building the next chapter for Nokia phones. We see
this as a brilliant opportunity to solve real life consumer problems
and to deliver on the quality and designs that the Nokia brand has been
always known for."
Nokia Lumia 930 Microsoft first bought Nokia's mobile phone business in
2014 for $7.17 billion, however the tech giant was forced to sell the
iconic brand this year amid declining sales of feature phones, almost
wiping out the entire value of the deal.
In May HMD global announced a conditional deal with Microsoft to
acquire the rights to use the Nokia trademark on devices until 2024. The
agreement gives HMD sole control over the sales, marketing and
distribution of new Nokia-branded phones and tablets.
HMD has
previously stated it would be spending $500 million of investor funding
over the next three years to market the new device range across the
globe.
"We believe that the time is right for renewal in the mobile industry," said Florian Seiche, president of HMD Global.
"The
market is fatigued and flooded with undifferentiated products.
Consumers are looking for technology with clear purpose that is useful,
exciting and with a brand they can trust. So our approach will focus on
true, core user experiences and a dedication to quality."
HMD is expected to announce the first of a new line of Nokia-branded
smartphones, rumoured to be the Nokia D1C, at the Mobile World Congress
in February 2017.
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