Nokia buys mobile Web browsing firm Novarra

Handset giant to launch new service for its mid-tier phones based on Novarra technology later in 2010.


Nokia on Friday announced it has acquired mobile Web browsing solutions provider Novarra, as the handset giant looks to enhance Internet services on its mid-tier devices.

Chicago-based Novarra develops a range of both server-side and device-side products used by operators and ISPs aiming to speed up mobile Web browsing and deliver a PC-like experience to handsets.
"Connecting the next billion consumers to the Internet will happen primarily on mobile devices, and delivering an optimised Internet experience on our devices is core to our mission," said Niklas Savander, executive vice president of services at Nokia, in a statement.
Nokia plans to use Novarra's platform as the basis for launching a new Internet service offering for its widely-used mid-tier Series 40 handsets later in 2010.
The Finnish phone maker did not provide any further details on the type of service, and was unavailable for comment at time of writing.
"By driving innovation in all segments of our portfolio, we are building one of the largest consumer audiences for Web services and contents," said Savander.

"Novarra's Internet services technology, delivered on the world's most widely-used mobile platform – Nokia Series 40 – will help us achieve this," he commented.

Indeed, the mobile market leader sold 127 million mobile phones at an average selling price of €63 during the fourth quarter, and has a strong presence in emerging markets.

Its unit shipments in Asia-Pacific markets, not including China, surged 15.4% on year to 34.5 million in Q4, up from 29.9 million – surpassing the 34.3 million it shipped in Europe. In China Nokia shipped 17.6 million devices, up 36.4% from the 12.9 million shipped in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Nokia said it expects to close the Novarra deal during the second quarter of 2010, subject to regulatory reviews. Following the acquisition, privately-held Novarra will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nokia.

The handset maker did not disclose the value of the transaction.



Source : totaltele.com