High Speed Internet Access (HSIA): Mobile Internet

The popularity of online application stores for smartphones is in no doubt. One billion applications have been downloaded from Apple’s application store just nine months after the launch of the store.

Recognising the need to offer mobile applications and not simply devices, Nokia have announced the launch of their application store, Ovi, later this year on a global level. Windows Mobile will also have an online apps store offering. Details on these initiatives were revealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and reported by apcmag.

Services from both players will include the downloading and installation of applications onto a mobile phone or downloading apps onto a PC for syncing with a mobile phone. Both Microsoft and Nokia will get commission from the sale of 3rd party developed apps and will also offer freebies. Windows Mobile have said that some prominence will be given to applications from local carriers and from device manufacturers. These applications will be more visible to the phone user, however apps from 3rd parties will still be available.

As reported in the interview covering Nokia strategy to compete with the iPhone, Nokia very much see their success going forward hinging on their ability to deliver devices complete with the best software and the best means for phone users to download this software.  They are seeking to differentiate their apps store by making it more relevant to individual users by capitalising on search history, user preferences and enabling easy sharing of favourites.

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