Nokia Corp. (NOK) has acquired Dopplr Oy, a privately held social-network service provider for mobile devices. Dopplr offers services to travelers. This acquisition will provide technical know-how to Nokia in creating internet-based communities and showing their journeys, experiences and tastes collectively on the web. Nokia will integrate Dopplr’s services with its own Ovi application suite especially with its NAVTEQ system that provides comprehensive digital map information to international jetsetter professionals. The financial term of this acquisition is however still undisclosed.
Nokia is trying hard to solidify social-networking offerings of its mobile phones. Earlier this month, the company announced a partnership with social-networking giant Facebook to innovate a next-generation personal and location-based internet application. Nokia expanded its Ovi ecosystem for increasing number of third party open partnerships. In last August, the company entered into an agreement with its former arch rival Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) to incorporate the mobile version of MS-Office software suite in Nokia handsets.
Offering innovative social-networking features through mobile handsets have become essential for mobile device makers in order to sustain competition. Apple Inc (AAPL) and Research In Motion (RIMM) are already providing new varieties of web-based personal applications. Vodafone Group Plc (VOD) is undergoing a major revamp of its mobile Internet services called “360 phone”. Recently, Motorola (MOT) has introduced its first high-end 3G smart-phone named “CLIQ” that will feature a customized social-networking interface called “MOTOBLUR”.
The smart-phone market is getting fiercely competitive. Nokia, despite being the global leader, is gradually losing market share to Research In Motion and Apple Inc. According to Gartner Inc, Nokia’s share has fallen to 45% in the second quarter 2009 from 47.5% in the year-ago quarter. Meanwhile, market share of Research In Motion jumped to 18.7% from 17.3% in the year-ago quarter and that of Apple Inc to 13.3% from a mere 2.8% in the prior-year quarter. Nokia’s emphasis on innovative social-networking service is aimed to protect its leadership position in the smart-phone market.
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