Motorola: No Improvement in Sight

Motorola: No Improvement in Sight

Eric Savitz (Barron's) submits: The fundamentals at Motorola (NYSE: MOT - News) continue to deteriorate. Brantley Thompson, an analyst at Goldman Sachs, today trimmed his earnings estimates for the company for both this year and next year.

For 2007, he went to $1.01 a share from $1.23 (ex-stock options); for 2008 he went to $1.20 from $1.43.

Thompson notes that the company is now “pursing a selective strategy” in emerging markets where a lack of scale and distribution prevent it from making money. That seems reasonable, but it does mean lower market share. Thompson now sees the company losing 1 percentage point of market share in 2007; that is a reduction in his estimate of 350 basis points.

Thompson says the company needs to take out $3-$5 in costs from its low end devices, and gain more traction in higher priced 3G phones to offset pricing pressure from the increased mix of phones selling to emerging markets.

“We believe these initiatives will take time…and therefore do not look for a meaningful near-term improvement,” he writes. “We still believe risk remains to Street estimates.”

Motorola today is down 19 cents at $18.65.

Glu Mobile and Nokia Announce Collaboration to Bring Glu Games to N-Gage Platform

Glu Mobile and Nokia Announce Collaboration to Bring Glu Games to N-Gage Platform

Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, and Glu Mobile, a leading global publisher of mobile games, announced today that Glu will be publishing a selection of mobile games and content on the N-Gage platform. Glu's portfolio of top-rated games includes original titles like Super K.O. Boxing!, Stranded and the Ancient Empires franchise, as well as titles based on major brands from Atari, Harrah's, Hasbro, Microsoft, PlayFirst, PopCap Games and Sony.

"Glu Mobile is one of the driving forces in the mobile gaming industry and we're excited to be working with them to bring premium mobile game experiences to our N-Gage platform," said Gregg Sauter, Director, Games Publishing, Nokia. "Glu's reputation and experience in creating compelling mobile games makes them a natural fit for the N-Gage platform."

"We're excited to be part of Nokia's mobile gaming efforts, and are impressed with the offering that Nokia has brought together with its new N-Gage Platform," said Kristian Segerstrale, Managing Director, EMEA, Glu Mobile. "The combination of Nokia's hardware and mobile platform vision and expertise along with Glu's top-rated, quality mobile games will deliver consumers a truly unique, immersive entertainment experience."

The first Glu title currently planned for the platform is World Series of Poker® Texas Hold'em (WSOP), which allows players to compete at tables with up to eight mobile gamers against WSOP champions such as Chris "Jesus" Ferguson and Scott Fischman. World Series of Poker Texas Hold'em is among the portfolio of games, applications and wallpapers that Glu is developing and publishing based on a multi-year, worldwide alliance with Harrah's License Company, LLC, an affiliate of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:HET - News).

About N-Gage

Nokia is an innovator in mobile, interactive entertainment and is re-defining the mobile gaming experience. Starting in 2007, Nokia's N-Gage platform will allow consumers around the world to easily find, buy, play and manage premium quality mobile games on upcoming Nokia Nseries multimedia computers and other Nokia S60 devices. N-Gage offers a global games platform that includes community features that allow users to easily interact with friends and share gaming experiences -- anytime, from anywhere. Nokia is working with the world's leading publishers to deliver a broad portfolio of exciting, high quality games. www.n-gage.com

About Nokia

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com

About Glu Mobile

Glu is a leading global publisher of mobile games. Its portfolio of top-rated games includes original titles Super K.O. Boxing!, Stranded and the Ancient Empires franchise, and titles based on major brands from Atari, Harrah's, Hasbro, Microsoft, PlayFirst, PopCap Games, SEGA and Sony. Founded in 2001, Glu is based in San Mateo, California and has offices in London, Hong Kong, France, Germany and Brazil. Consumers can find high quality, fresh entertainment created exclusively for their mobile phones wherever they see the 'g' character logo or at www.glu.com.

GLU MOBILE, GLU, and the 'g' character logo are trademarks of Glu Mobile. All other names and trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.


Contact:

Glu Mobile
Kathy de Leon, 650-532-2421
Kathy.deleon@glu.com
or
Glu Mobile EMEA
Asam Ahmad, +44 20 3100 1174
asam.ahmad@glu.com
or
Nokia, Multimedia
Communications, +358 7180 45667
or
Nokia
Communications, +358 7180 34900
press.office@nokia.com

Source: Glu Mobile

Birdstep launch Smartconnect - automatic best access of WiFi or 3G for Nokia mobile phones

Birdstep launch Smartconnect - automatic best access of WiFi or 3G for Nokia mobile phones

Birdstep today launched SmartConnect, which brings simplified connection and mobility management to WiFi/WLAN-enabled smartphones. Phones supported for launch are Nokia E and N series including Nokia E61i and E65 as well as SonyEricsson P990i and most windows mobile 5.0 based Smartphones ~

Oslo/Stockholm/Seattle/San Francisco/Cambridge - February 12, 2007 -Birdstep Technology ASA, the leading provider of seamless connectivity and mobility software for laptop, PDAs and smartphones today launched SmartConnect, a unique application that automatically chooses the best available network for mobile phones equipped with WiFi/WLAN and 3G, giving users an easy way to utilize WiFi/WLAN/3G to connect to the internet.

Recent research has shown that there are a number of challenges that users face when trying to connect a dual radio device to the internet. The user interface is not always intuitive; the multitude of networks makes it difficult to select the best connection and change it when moving around.

Birdstep's SmartConnect addresses all of these issues; the client ensures that the user is always connected to the best available network with the minimum of user intervention. In addition, the unique support for 3rd party VPN modules ensures that corporate data can be accessed without compromising security or ease of use. Finally, the intelligent hotspot login module enables smartphone users to automatically login to the WiFi/WLAN hotspots they have subscribed to.

"SmartConnect has been developed based on end-user feedback and Birdstep's long, solid experience helping users to connect their laptops to the internet over wireless networks. The launch of SmartConnect demonstrates Birdstep's market leading position in seamless connectivity and mobility solutions" said Petri Markkanen, CEO at Birdstep.

Some SmartConnect highlights are:


* Intelligent WiFi Login Module
- WISP-r and HTTP based login
- Supports customized modules for network operators

* SIM and Device Locks
The SmartConnect client can be locked in the following ways:
- To only operate with a specific operator's SIM cards
- To only operate on a specific type or brand of device

* Seamless Mobility
The SmartConnect client has a built-in optional SmartRoaming client
that enables seamless mobility, providing session persistency:
- Compliant with IETF Mobile IP standards
- IOT with major HA vendors (Cisco, Nortel, Nokia networks, etc)
- Supports NAT traversal and is compatible with all leading VPN
solutions

* Diagnostics
The SmartConnect client includes a control interface for network
diagnostics

The SmartConnect product is generally available from the Nokia Download Catalogue from the 12th of February 2007 and will be demonstrated at the 3GSM World in Barcelona on the newly launched Nokia E and N series phones.

To find out more information about SmartConnect or book a meeting at 3 GSM World, please send an e-mail to meeting@birdstep.com visit us in Hall 2, Stand 2B79.

(395words)

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Birdstep (www.birdstep.com)

Birdstep Technology ASA is a public company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE) under the ticker 'BIRD'. The company is headquartered in Oslo, Norway with four wholly-owned subsidiaries: Birdstep AB in Sweden, Birdstep Technology Inc. in Seattle, US, Birdstep Technology in San Francisco, US and Birdstep Technology Ltd in Cambridge, UK.

Birdstep Technology is a global software development, marketing and sales company offering seamless connectivity and mobility client software for mobile data users on laptops, Pocket PCs and smartphones, as well as state of the art embedded database technologies.

Birdstep has an installed base at more than 40 operators globally including T-mobile Group, Vodafone Group, Orange, TIM, Turkcell, TMN, Sprint, KPN, E-plus, Telenor and TeliaSonera. The company also cooperates with global partners such as Nokia, SonyEricsson, Cisco, Ericsson, Nortel Networks, HP and Fujitsu Siemens Computers.

For further press information and photography please contact Robert Vangstad at Birdstep Tel: +46 (0) 730 58 45 00





Copyright © Hugin ASA 2007. All rights reserved.


Contact:



Source: Birdstep Technology

Nokia Realigns its Devices Sales Organization in North America

Nokia Realigns its Devices Sales Organization in North America

Nokia today announced that it will realign its North America sales and marketing organization and the management of its device business there. These changes are aimed at improving the organization's alignment with its customers in North America in order to better meet their needs.

In a move towards building a more channel-focused organization, Nokia is redefining the roles of its device sales teams for North America and relocating most sales support people closer to customers. The device sales organization will move most of its support functions from Irving, Texas, to Nokia's corporate facilities in White Plains, New York.

As part of the changes, Mark Louison, the current head of Nokia's networks business in North America, has been appointed to head Nokia's devices business in the area as of July 1, 2007. As of April 1, Mr. Louison will also become President of Nokia Inc., the North American arm of Nokia. After the realignment and relocation is complete, Tim Eckersley, the current head of Nokia's device sales in North America, will leave his current position at the end of June. His future plans will be announced at a later date.

"The changes we announced today are designed to align us more closely with our customers in order to drive improved business results in North America," said Robert Andersson, Executive Vice President, Nokia Customer and Market Operations. "We believe these moves will enable us to reinforce our sales and marketing activities in this important market and allow us to provide our customers with some truly compelling product offerings."

All the changes announced today will start immediately, with completion expected by the end of June.

About Nokia

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

www.nokia.com


Source: Nokia

Nokia Software Updater Makes Updating Your Mobile Device Quick and Easy

Nokia Software Updater Makes Updating Your Mobile Device Quick and Easy

Nokia (NYSE: NOK - News) today announced that the Nokia Software Updater application is now available from selected Nokia local support web pages as well as http://www.nokia.com/softwareupdate. After a successful trial run last year, Nokia is expanding the program to enable people to update their own mobile device software without having to visit a service point. So far, over three quarters of a million people have updated their Nokia device using Nokia Software Updater.

"As mobile devices become more intelligent, software updates make it possible for us to provide a better experience for people by adding and updating functions," said Jarkko Sakki, Director, Multimedia Customer Care, Nokia. "For example, the recent software update for the Nokia N80 added support for internet calls. The Nokia Software Updater can make it fast and easy for people to get the latest software for their compatible Nokia device. As mobile devices become more like computers in terms of performance, it's a natural step for us to offer internet based software updates so that people can have the best available capabilities in their Nokia device."

Nokia Software Updater is a free application that enables people to update the device software on compatible Nokia devices, including some of the world's best selling 3G devices such as the Nokia N70, Nokia N73 and Nokia E61. Initially available only in English, the Nokia Software Updater is now available in almost 40 different languages. The link to Nokia Software Updater is also available in the most recent versions of Nokia PC Suite software.

Once the application is installed on a compatible computer, users can connect their compatible Nokia device via a USB cable and Nokia Software Updater automatically detects the device type, and whether any required software updates are needed and it then guides users through the updating process.

Notes to editors

For a complete list of compatible devices, please visit http://www.nokia.com/softwareupdate.

About Nokia

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com.

Media Enquiries: Nokia, Multimedia, Communications, Tel. +358-7180-38194, Nokia, Communications, Tel. +358-7180-34900, Email: press.office@nokia.com


Source: Nokia

Nokia supplier Perlos ends Finland production, over 1,100 laid off

Nokia supplier Perlos ends Finland production, over 1,100 laid off

HELSINKI (AFP) - Finnish company Perlos, which makes mobile phone casings for
Nokia, said on Monday it would end production with the loss of 1,132 jobs, as part of a bid to return to profitability.

"The company will discontinue all production operations in Finland, closing its two facilities in North Karelia by the autumn of 2007 at the latest," the group said in a statement.

Perlos said it would "also cut overlapping functions in the organisation, which will lead to personnel reductions in other functions in Finland as well," where it employs a further 200 employees.

The Finnish job losses were included in some 4,000 redundancies Perlos announced in January in Europe, Asia and North and South America for 2007, representing a third of its workforce.

Perlos has been hit by falling demand from Nokia, traditionally its most important customer, and fierce competition from Asian competitors. The group has said it intends to make savings of 100 million euros (130 million dollars) a year from 2007.

The group reported an operating loss of three to four million euros in the fourth quarter of 2006 and a loss of 32 to 33 million euros for the full-year.

At the end of 2006, Perlos had 12,944 employees, including 5,715 temporary workers.

N-Gage : Gameloft to publish 7 game titles for the N-Gage platform

Gameloft and Nokia Unite to Offer Advanced Entertainment to Consumers

Gameloft to publish 7 game titles for the N-Gage platform

Gameloft®, a world leader in the development and publishing of video games for mobile phones, announced that 7 of its major titles will be available for Nokia's next generation mobile gaming platform, N-Gage.

All critically-acclaimed and bestsellers, these games are as diversified as the mobile gaming consumers themselves, offering fun-filled choices for everyone.

Games available at launch include:

Brain Challenge(TM), Winner of IGN's Editor's Choice Award and the
Silver Award from PocketGamer. "Brain Challenge is the best of three
brain training games I've played so far" - IGN.

Dogz(TM), Winner of the Bronze Award from PocketGamer for "a very
convincing experience."

Midnight PoolTM is the next success story for Gameloft. Already
awarded with the Editor's Choice Award from IGN, a Silver Award from
PocketGamer and a Gold Award from MobileGames FAQs, Midnight Pool has
been one of Gameloft's best sellers since the game's launch in 2005.
IGN called the game: "Gameloft's latest triumph."

Midnight Hold'em(TM) Poker - "a smart package," according to IGN.

Block Breaker Deluxe is the "Best Damn' brickout ever" according to
Wireless Gaming Review/ Gamespot. The game was Gameloft's best selling
title for 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Asphalt 3(TM): Street Rules(TM), Winner of IGN's Editor's Choice
Award, PocketGamer's Silver Award, Play2Go's Gold Award and the Air
Gamer Award. The game is a "top-notch racing romp that's more fun and
much faster than ever," according to PocketGamer.

Brothers in Arms(R) 3D has received a 9.5/10 rating from IGN who
added, "It has no equal" and "It's a triumph...(It's) the bridge
between traditional video games and mobile games."

"Development on N-Gage is the most ambitious project handled by Gameloft to date," said Julien Fournials, vice president of production at Gameloft. "The platform created by Nokia is very powerful and offers possibilities never seen before. It's an exciting opportunity for our internal studios to create the best possible games. These titles will advance the existing licenses one generation further."

"Year after year, we're renewing our close collaboration with Nokia," said Michel Guillemot, Gameloft's President. "With N-Gage, mobile gaming will benefit from the strongest technology, for the consumer's greatest satisfaction."

A demonstration of Asphalt3: Street Rules will be unveiled at the Nokia Booth, situated in the West Hall, booth #426 at GDC 2007 from 7 - 9th March.

About Gameloft -

Gameloft is a leading international publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones. Founded in 1999, it has emerged as one of the top innovators in its field. The company creates games for mobile handsets equipped with Java, Brew, or Symbian technology. The total number of mobile handsets with this technology is expected to exceed two billion units in 2008 (ARC GROUP).

Thanks to partnership agreements with leading licensors and personalities such as Ubisoft Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Endemol, Viacom, Sony Pictures, FifPro, Paris Hilton Ent., Lamborghini, Derek Jeter, Reggie Bush, Steven Gerrard, Vijay Singh or Llewton Hewitt, Gameloft has formed strong relationships with international brands. In addition to the partnerships, Gameloft owns and operates such brands as Block Breaker Deluxe, Asphalt: Urban GT and New York Nights.

As a result of agreements with telecom carriers, handset manufacturers, specialized distributors and its online store, Gameloft now boasts a distribution network covering 75 countries.

Gameloft has worldwide offices in New York, San Francisco, Kansas City, Seattle, Montreal, Mexico, Buenos Aires, Paris, London, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Milan, Madrid, New Delhi, Seoul, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo and Sydney. Gameloft is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN: FR0000079600, Bloomberg: GFT FP, Reuters: GLFT.PA).

For more information visit www.gameloft.com.

© 2007 Gameloft - All rights reserved - Gameloft and Gameloft logo are registered trademarks of Gameloft S.A. - All rights reserved.


Contact:

Gameloft
Sanette Chao, 212-994-2495

Source: Gameloft

Nokia Reorganizes Its Sales Organization, Appoints Mark Louison to Head Devices Team

Nokia Restructures Device Sales Business
Nokia Reorganizes Its Sales Organization, Appoints Mark Louison to Head Devices Team

NEW YORK (AP) -- Nokia Corp., the world's largest cell phone maker, said Wednesday it will restructure its North American sales and marketing organization and the management of its devices business.

Nokia, based in Espoo, Finland, said it will redefine the role of its North American device sales teams and relocate most sales support staff "closer to customers."

The device sales organization will move most of its support capabilities from Irving, Texas, to Nokia's corporate offices in White Plains, New York. In addition, Mark Louison, who currently leads Nokia's North American networks business, will take over Nokia's North American devices business on July 1 from Tim Eckersley.

Louison also was named president of Nokia Inc., Nokia's North American arm, effective April 1. The company said it will announce Eckersley's future plans at a later date.

Nokia expects the reorganization to be complete by the end of June.

Shares rose 17 cents to $21.62 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Nokia reorganizes North American operations

Nokia reorganizes North American operations

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Finland'sNokia (NOK1V.HE) named a president for its North American operations on Wednesday and said it would move some jobs from Texas to other locations to improve relations with customers.

Nokia is the biggest mobile phone maker on a global basis but has struggled in North America, where it trails Motorola Inc. (NYSE:MOT - news), the world's No. 2 handset maker.

As part of a reorganization in the region, Nokia said it will move most of its phone sales support operations to its White Plains, New York offices from Irving, Texas and will move sales people to cities where carrier customers are based.

Nokia spokeswoman Laurie Armstrong said the relocation of sales and marketing jobs would affect about 50 people and that there was no indication of a material impact from the changes.

The company plans to keep its network equipment business for North America and functions such as customer care and logistics in Irving, Armstrong said.

Mark Louison, now head of Nokia's North American network gear unit, is taking the newly created role of president for North America. He is moving from Atlanta to New York, where Nokia's chief financial officer is also based.

Louison is also becoming head of Nokia's mobile device business for the region.

"It's no secret we've had our struggles in the U.S. market. This is an example of our commitment to improving our position in the North American market," Nokia's Armstrong said.

Nokia shares were up 12 cents or 0.56 percent at $21.57 in afternoon trade on the
New York Stock Exchange, where Motorola shares were up 23 cents or 1.22 percent at $19.07.

ABOUT COSTS OR SALES?

Prudential analyst Inder Singh said the move may be the start of a bigger effort by Nokia to cut costs and also is a sign Nokia is not gaining any ground against Motorola and other rivals in the United States.

"What it says is that (Nokia is) still wrestling with North America. It doesn't look like they've made a lot of progress, so they're cutting costs to gain profitability," Singh said.

"I expect this would be the beginning of something. I don't think it's the end. I would suspect there would be more cost cuts to follow," he added, noting that Nokia may be able to find areas to cut as it merges its network equipment division with that of Siemens AG (SIEGn.DE).

But Ed Snyder, an analyst at Charter Equity, said the reorganization is probably more about efforts to improve Nokia's U.S. sales than to cut costs.

"The savings will not be material to Nokia earnings, but the improvement in efficiencies could help them significantly in growing in the U.S. market," Snyder said .

Louison will take up his new role on April 1, according to Nokia, which said he will take the helm at Nokia's device business on July 1.

Louison is replacing Tim Eckersley as head of device sales in North America. Eckersley will leave the job at the end of June, and Nokia plans to announce his future plans at a later date, the company said. The company said all the changes announced would take place by the end of June.

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