Nokia Windows Phone Event Coming Up In January For CES 2012, Lumia 900 Rumored To Be Launched
Nokia Windows Phone Event Invite for 9th January 2012 at CES las Vegas
Nokia has sent out invites to the press for a January 9 event. This press meet will take place at the CES 2012 venue one day prior to the actual opening of the show. This meet is just beginning of Nokia’s CES presence, which is going to be quite big this time round.
Even though the invites do not mention what the press meet is about, it is clear from its design and text that the event will be Windows Phone focused. The design of the invite has Windows Phone Metro UI style tiles and has the slogan “Amazing Everyday”. This is the same slogan that Nokia uses to market its Lumia series of Windows Phone devices.
It is unclear what Nokia intends to do with such an important slot but rumors suggest that it is about to unveil a new Windows Phone model. Based on previous leaks and code references found in existing software, industry watchers are expecting the launch of a Windows Phone named Lumia 900 — the successor of the Lumia 800 and 710 models.
The Lumia 900 is expected to be a high-end device because that is the only category that is missing form the Lumia line. It is likely going to be tailored for the US market with future adaptations supporting other regions. Rumors are afoot that the phone will have a 4.3inch display along with network support for 4G LTE services on AT&T.
There have also been instances of a 4G LTE enabled Lumia 800 being tested on AT&T and Verizon and some are expecting more of an upgrade to the Lumia 800 to be announced at the event. However, many are of the opinion that this specific device is likely to be a test model for checking the viability of such a device on those networks. Hence it might not end up as a released product.
This years CES is in many ways a make or break one for Nokia if it hopes to retain and increase its presence in the US market. The company has been focusing on European and Asian markets for the near past, allowing relatively newer players like HTC, Samsung and Motorola to grab precious marketshare in the US instead. Now that the Finnish phone giant has shifted over to Windows Phone, they need to strengthen their position in the most active market for this platform — the United States.
As a part of this effort, Nokia is now in negotiations with US carriers as compared to its earlier stance where negotiations often broke down to Nokia selling their phones unlocked. Given the typical US consumer behavior, most people have come to expect a hefty discount on new phones by opting for lock in contracts with carriers. Unlocked phones sales are much lower compared locked ones — a hard truth that Nokia has had to swallow recently in the US after it woke up to its market share rapidly vanishing all around the globe.
Date: December 19, 2011
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