By Saad Elkhadem
The world of information technology is continuously evolving, with a constant stream of rumors, leaks, and product releases ensuring that even the keenest of industry observers can sometimes miss the action. So in the event that you missed it, here’s a rundown of the latest goings on in the world of IT.
Nokia's Planned Comeback
When Microsoft purchased Nokia's device and services unit for an estimated $7.2 billion in late 2013 it was feared that the world had seen the end of the one-time handset giant. The Finnish mobile manufacturer never really recovered from its decision to side with the Windows Phone OS at a time when iOS and Android were beginning to really take off, and Microsoft has already started phasing out the Nokia moniker from its smartphone lineup, with feature phone devices set to follow shortly.
However, the brand has already made somewhat of a comeback with the launch of the Nokia N1, a 7.9" aluminum tablet that runs on Android and is reminiscent of Apple's iPad mini. This sparked intense speculation that Nokia was to begin manufacturing a new range of Android-powered smartphones, a rumor that the vendor slapped down almost as quickly as it had first appeared. That should have been enough to stop the rumor mill in its tracks, right?
Wrong. The new N1 tablet is being produced and sold by Foxconn as part of a licensing agreement, and with Nokia only denying any intention to "manufacture or sell consumer handsets," it is thought the vendor may pursue a similar strategy in the mobile space. Under this model, the company would no longer build or sell the devices itself, but instead license the Nokia brand and its designs to other OEMs, who would then build, market, and sell the handsets themselves, paying royalties to Nokia in return. Under the terms of its agreement with Microsoft, the vendor cannot start selling Nokia-brand phones until late 2016, but it does appear that a resurrection of sorts may be on the horizon.
Apple Breaks New Ground
Apple's latest foray into new tech territory has set the industry abuzz in recent weeks, with the vendor finally entering the smartwatch battlefield with its own take on a form factor that has so far failed to capture the imagination of the mass market. The inevitable fanfare that typically greets any new Apple launch certainly seems to have done the trick however, with early estimates suggesting the Apple Watch is already the most popular smartwatch by market share, less than a month after its official launch. Promoted as a device for communication, fitness, and notifications, the watch only works in conjunction with an iPhone and comes at a cost of anywhere between $349 and $17,000.
Apple has brought its own unique sense of style to the table, offering three different models in two sizes and a huge catalog of straps from which to choose. IDC research analyst Saad Elkhadem believes the Apple Watch will give the smartwatch sector a much-needed boost by bringing the technology to the top of the consumer market's collective mind. And Apple's insistence on the device being paired only with an iPhone may even serve as a boon to the plethora of Android smartwatches already on the market, with existing Android smartphone users sure to follow the path of least resistance in their bid to see what all the fuss is about.
Google Becomes a Carrier
Google's long-rumored wireless service, Project Fi, is now a reality. What makes Project Fi unique is that it seamlessly switches between either WiFi connectivity and regular cellphone connectivity based on whichever signal is strongest at any particular time and location. As things stand, the only device that is compatible with the unique SIM required to operate on the Project Fi network is the Nexus 6, although more compatible devices are expected to roll out soon.
The pricing for the wireless package is very straightforward; the consumer pays $20 for unlimited talk and text and is charged $10 for every 1GB of data consumed. A great feature is that the consumer receives a refund for whatever balance of data remains at the end of each month. The service is currently only being rolled out in the United States, but the significance of this Google initiative cannot be underestimated as it is likely to have a profound impact on the way that carriers cater their plans to customers across geographies. So watch this space or risk missing out on the next wave of innovations set to shape our day-to-day lives.
(the author is a research analyst with IDC MEA)
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