Last Saturday, right after the news that a jury had determined that 25 Samsung cellphones and three tablet models infringed on Apple patents, a friend asked me if I thought Apple would further benefit from this verdict, or if Samsung would see this as a chance to become a real innovator. I told her my immediate thoughts were how much this outcome would benefit Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT). I believe that thanks in part to this verdict, Nokia will return to its former self sooner rather than later. My friend was surprised.
At this point, it's no secret this verdict will definitely affect tablet and smartphone designs. We may finally see some real innovation from Samsung. We can also expect a dramatic change in the future of other mobile device manufacturers, and maybe a turn around -- I am thinking Nokia here -- as EBN editor in chief, Bolaji Ojo, suggested in Apple-Samsung: Can't We All Just Get Along?
Yes, we all wish that they all could get along, but Apple and Samsung keep on fighting in different corners of the world. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, Finland is beginning to see a new wave of hope for local hero Nokia, as the Finnish company showed a frenetic growth in the Helsinki Stock Exchange and a strong opening on Wall Street. Indeed, Monday was a day of good news.
In fact, Nordea Markets research analyst Sami Sarkamies had also said that the Finnish manufacturer and Microsoft could be the main beneficiaries from the Apple vs. Samsung outcome, so I'm more optimistic about Nokia's comeback. Then I read that earlier this week, after Samsung became considerably less valuable in the market, MoneyNews reported that shares in Nokia were 10.2 percent higher and Microsoft's European-listed shares were 1.6 percent higher.
All these reports support my initial thoughts. I strongly believe that the patent dispute between Apple and Samsung could boost Nokia and Microsoft's mobile device sales in unexpected ways. This decision comes right before Nokia World, September 5 through 6 in Helsinki, Finland, where Nokia is expected to announce its first tablet. This event -- this year is invitation-only -- has been timed to complement the Nokia and Microsoft press conference already scheduled for September 5, where the Windows Phone 8 is expected to be introduced as well as Nokia phones that will run the Microsoft smartphone platform. It's worth mentioning that Nokia World's date was changed from the initial September 25. This makes me think that the company wanted to make sure its newest devices were announced right before Apple's.
I am also pretty confident that the latest chain of events may translate into some Android users choosing to migrate to Nokia or Microsoft products in search of a more stable and reliable situation -- at least until Samsung's destiny becomes more clear. I have seen Nokia go up, down, and stay afloat, but never close to dying. If this is an opportunity, Nokia will take advantage of it.
There's a good chance that Nokia's stocks and sales may get an even more radical boost throughout the end of the year thanks to Apple's win against Samsung. There is always hope when there is still life, and Nokia may rise again.
"We haven't seen a new product (totally different) for a long time from those two companies."
True. That's why there is a good chance now, if they have managed to work on something real new and different this time. Next week, when they products come out to the light, we'll see if we are right.
That's the thing, Nokia is announcing new products next week, products that have been kept in some sort of secrecy, Nokia has been very silent lately, which makes me suspect something big might be coming out. If this is the case, it can be a wow moment for many consumers who were waiting to get a new device at this time of the year. Samsung is presenting an uncertain near future. Apple customers will always be Apple customers. So the change here may come from Android users wanting to try the new Microsoft OS in a trusted hardware. Then there is the whole new Apps story.
I just got disappointed when I got an email saying that this year the Nokia World was going to be divided in small events rather the usual big one. Next week the event is only for operators. Developers and the press will have to wait. :/
I remember the first Windows cell phone I ever had. It was a Samsung, if I recall correctly. What an experience. It was the first time I had ever had a phone crash on me. Froze right up. Couldn't make a phone call. Windows. A real winner. Nokia employees, start planning for your bonuses.
In my opinion this Apple-Samsung verdict may piut some check on Android variant based smart phones bringin out Apple lookalike products and that is where Nokia's W8 based smart phones have a chance to up their market share.
But with Microsoft itself now trying to establish itself as a product player ( Surface) , Nokia has to carefully plan its product strategy
Also with the verdict going against Samsung, Apple has strengthened its position. Isn't it?
" I strongly believe that the patent dispute between Apple and Samsung could boost Nokia and Microsoft's mobile device sales in unexpected ways."
I believe that too , but for a different reason. We haven't seen a new product (totally different) for a long time from those two companies. But that as you mentioned in the blog post it is also a great opportunity for Nocia to recover and to be as a strong competitor as it was before a couple of years.
Susan, good analysis... but I am leaning slightly on the cautious side. The outcome of the law suit between Apple and Samsung might create an opening for Microsoft operating systems to flare. Nokia might shine from this event but to what extent? Has its device got the edge? Can it appeal to consumers? These are food for thoughts.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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