Nokia has unveiled its first phablets - extra-large
phones - as well as its first tablet computer. The Windows Phone handsets introduce the ability to
change which objects in a photo are in focus after it is taken. The Windows RT tablet has a 4G data
chip, unlike Microsoft's recently announced Surface 2. Nokia World in Abu Dhabi is likely to be remembered as the
Finnish firm's last major event before it completes the sale of its hardware
unit.
Microsoft
agreed to buy the business for 5.4bn euros ($7.4bn; £4.6bn) in a deal which the
companies have said should be finalised by early 2014. One analyst said the
sale should aid the US firm's efforts to promote its mobile platforms against
the market leaders, Android and iOS. "For the last two years Microsoft and
Nokia's marketing efforts have jarred against each other at times - having one
big effort should be better than two smaller ones," said Martin Garner,
from the consultancy CCS Insight.
"Microsoft
can also spend a lot more marketing the devices than Nokia could. That does
seem to be a key criteria - both Samsung and Apple's spends are very high
indeed." Microsoft's share of the handset and tablet markets is growing
but from a relatively low level, according to market research firm Gartner. Windows
Phone took a 3.3% share of smartphone sales in the April-to-June quarter, said
the firm, with Nokia proving the most popular brand.
Nokia decided to make a Windows
RT tablet despite other firms deciding to ditch the platform It also forecast
that about 1.7% of all tablets shipped over 2013 as a whole would be powered by
either Windows RT or the full Windows 8 operating system.
Source: BBC
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