(Source: neowin.net)
Microsoft and Nokia hope to catch up to Apple and GoogleMicrosoft and Nokia have invested 18 million euros ($23.9 million USD) into a new mobile application development program called "AppCampus" in Finland.
Both Microsoft and Nokia have each invested 9 million euros into the program, which will take place at Aalto University in Finland over the next three years. The AppCampus program aims to create new mobile apps for Windows Phone as well as develop a whole new generation of self-sustaining mobile startups for Nokia platforms.
"AppCampus offers an unprecedented opportunity for entrepreneurs to put their ideas into practice and create world-class mobile products," said Klaus Holse, president of Microsoft Western Europe. "We want to turn a new leaf in the mobile industry and foster Finland's role as a center of excellence for mobile technology. Such investment into early-stage concepts has rarely been seen in this sector, and this demonstrates how highly both Nokia and Microsoft value Finnish mobile expertise."
App developers and entrepreneurs can use the AppCampus program to train in new mobile technology, take advantage of funding for new mobile apps and services, and benefit from any other support needed. Aalto University will provide the coaching and academic/business networks for developers.
"We are proud to announce this new program, which will enable new and existing developers to create next-generation mobile apps and unique user experiences," said Kai Öistämö, executive vice president of Nokia Corp. "The partnership will allow developers to ideate and monetize business opportunities globally, via both Windows Phone Marketplace and Nokia Store."
The AppCampus program is Microsoft and Nokia's effort to catch up with mobile giants Apple and Google, who are the top competitors with their iOS and Android operating systems. Apple and Google tend to take the first and second ranks in the mobile realm leaving Microsoft behind.
Apps are a large part of why Apple and Google are on top and Microsoft is not. Apple's App Store and Google's Android Market have dominated this realm while Microsoft's Windows Phone Marketplace has lacked. Microsoft's share of the smartphone market dropped from 3 percent to 2 percent last quarter from a year ago. From four years ago, it has dropped 13 percent.
Microsoft and Nokia seem to be two sinking mobile ships that came together as a last ditch effort. Other handset makers have had a hard time selling their Windows Phones, and companies like Samsung are already too invested in Android.
This has led to trouble with app developers wanting to invest their time in Windows Phone. For example, Rovio Chief Marketing Officer Peter Vesterbacka said there were no plans to release the hot new game Angry Birds Space for Windows Phone. However, Rovio CEO Mikael Hed later said that Angry Birds Space would later come to WP7.
The AppCampus program will launch May 2012.
Sources: Microsoft, Reuters
This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.
No comments:
Post a Comment