#NokiaLumiaAU Launch in Sydney
I want those stands!
A few hours ago I was privileged with attending the Sydney launch of the Nokia Lumia 800 (and also the 710, which was announced at the event). Although, like most die hard Nokia fans, I knew most of the stuff they were talking about and could answer almost any question, I still learnt a few things, and had a really good time.
A few things that came out of the event:
- Both Lumia 800 & 710 to come to Australian market in March.
- Lumia 800 RRP approx AUD$699 with 710 RRP at AUD$379
- Lumia 800 will come in Black, Magenta, Cyan and WHITE!!! (Pictures don’t do the White any justice. Such beauty!)
- Purity HD will also be released in March
Something I didn’t know, was that ALL the games available through the XBox tile, have a free trial demo. ALL of them. I knew free trials existed for apps, but on all games! That is something that strikes me as being a game changer. (Excuse the pun.) Also, they said Nokia Maps was becoming available to all WP, via a Marketplace download. Also, I asked about the White L800 case in the box. Unlike the N9, it is not a leather pouch, it is in fact the same black case as for the Black 800 
What has lacked from launches has been statistics, whether device related, or app related. Although there is no hard proof, it was stated that;
- Over 1 million Lumia devices shipped in Q4 2011
- 93% satisfaction rate of the Windows Phone Mango experience
- 90% recommendation rate
- 300 new apps added to Marketplace daily
- Fastest growing app store
- 15 Million tracks already on Nokia Music
As with other Lumia launches, the same themes echoed;
- Lumia 800 is an extension of the N9′s beauty
- Nokia’s Location Assests are the biggest differentiating factor
- Lumia design means exceptional RF
- Unique Music Offering (Nokia Music, mix radio etc.)
- Targets both consumer (social networking, apps, games etc.) and enterprise (office suite, hardware acceleration, IRM, Microsoft Lync etc.)
- Hardware and Software is important, but by joining with MSFT, Nokia have tapped into that ecosystem
- MSFT thrilled with partnership, due to Nokia’s unrivaled knowledge of the mobile industry
- Best thing is all key features are built-in and there isn’t a need to have “an app for that” like its competition
- Extension of the User Experience many have been used to using Windows PC for years
For the Australians reading this, there is already a lot of local content being published, such as a Taxi app, that lets you book, and track its approach all from the device, as well as a Pizza Hut app, where you can order and then track that order. The Lumia 800 will be on all major carriers (Vodafone, Telstra, Optus, Virgin) and most retailers, so there is choice for operator which is good. Sadly, if you’re interested in the 710, it will only be on Optus and Virgin. Luckily though, at AUD$379, you wont be out of pocket too much.
As always, asked a few questions here and there, but nobody really revealed too much. There was talk about the Apollo leak and where the WP Platform was going in the future. Especially with aligning the PC/Tablet/Mobile experience thanks to Windows 8. When it came to devices and software updates, I was told to keep an eye on MWC. Let’s hope it isn’t a let down.
Something that came across as I wandered the event was the marketing strategy that needs to be implemented. It was the general consensus that the Ads need to show the device in action. I made the suggestion of having the “Smoked by Windows Phone” style ad, showing the ease and speed of the devices, as well as showing features like “Pocket to Picture in under 5 seconds”.
Here is a little photo gallery I have from the event, complete with Lumia M&M’s and all. Unfortunately, they ran out of gift bags, but one is apparently on the way to my house as I type this. I know there won’t be a device, but maybe something else like Lumia Macaroons or Lumia Chocolates wouldn’t go astray :p
Were you at the Launch event today? Or have you been to a launch in your country? Let me know in the comments below
Update: Got the info pack, here’s its contents;
Info sheets on Lumia 800, Lumia 710 and Purity HD, Two Movie tickets, Coloured Notepad with Post-it notes, 2GB "Nokia" USB with datasheets, press info etc., Lumia M&M's and Lumia Sherbet Lollies
Huge thanks to Fuel Communications and Nokia for letting me be there.
Michael
Category: Nokia
About the Author (Author Profile)
Hi! My name is Michael. Like the others, I'm also a Student, living here in Sydney. I have a real passion for the latest technology and I'm a real Nokia buff! My aim is to keep those of you, like myself, updated with the latest in what's going on in the Nokia World. Currently sporting an N8, N9, N950 and Lumia 800. Send tips to me on Twitter via @MFaroTusino or the site's page @MyNokiaBlog, or even simply drop me an email at MichaelMNB[at]hotmail.com.au or tips[at]mynokiablog.comSubscribe
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nokia drive is becoming available to WP? did i interpreted it wrongly?
yes, you did. its Nokia Maps, not Nokia Drive, that is coming to all WPs through MarketPlace.
nokia drive is becoming available to WP? did i interpret it wrongly?
Probably by paid app (30-60$).
too bad =(
nokia can’t seel their main weapon to the rivals or they will be shot back
Yep Nokia Drive is available for Windows Phone. Pre-loaded. And is free
But I thought only on Nokia WPs, and on other manufacturers WP phones you can only dowload the Maps part. Am I mistaken?
No, it’s not nokia drive; it’s NOKIA MAPS (no route planning support or turn by turn) this is part of the plan to have Nokia Maps integrated/replace bing maps on WP and other Oses (BB).
Thats an amazing start now hope aussies love the lumia devices and sales are sky high…
Taking the tram home from work today here in Melbourne, Australia, and the guy next to me was using a Lumia 800!
He was just listing to some music on it. The music player was really fast. He also sent a quick sms on it. That was the end of my stalking on someone phone however he did look like he worked for Nokia as inside his bag was a Nokia folder.
I’m starting to get excited about the Lumia 800 launch, willing to give up my N8 for it for sure!
700 AUD???
Haha, I bought mine for 330 AUD…
Micheal, did you asked about the what is the plan for Lumia 800 in Vodafone? $49 per month?
So that’s why they constantly wouldn’t answer Qns about a White N9 since Dec last yr.
And they’re release is with a far better RRP than what the N9 started with.
Absolute arsholes….
“releasing it with a”
I asked about N9, and they said it wont be happening
Most retailers here have stopped selling it. Thinking about picking up a second device for $330. Ex demo, barely used.
Still seems pretty common to me…
Not with telcos/resellers of course, that’s become less & less.
There is still a few though, but Nokia will make sure they drop it soon.
But yeah Nokia’s always made availability fairly poor.
Even from day one…
Go to all the major outlets it was supposedly going to be available.
(not only telco resellers)
And they always had only a few stock, or couldn’t get it in.
Especially the black 64GB…
Gotta make sure that 800 & 710 sells way better.
Pretty upset that nobody in Aus sold the 64gb. IT was always “on back order”
yep, twas always pretty clear what the strategy was there
$599 64GB
http://www.mobileciti.com.au/nokia-n9-64gb-black
$475 16GB
http://www.mobileciti.com.au/nokia-n9-black
Free shipping.
I’ve bought from them before. And they’re reliable according to forums.whirlpool.net.au.
And Fuck Elop if there’s no N9 successor! Bloody hell!
http://www.mobileciti.com.au/nokia-n9-64gb-black
$599 Free shipping
Do you know where I can get hold of an ex demo unit?
Want a 2nd to try my hand at some dev work.
Go into a local carrier and ask if they have one. There is a telechoice near me and he actually contacted me because I was going in frequently before it launched and asked about 64gb, he told me he selling it, for 330 AUD. So just ask the local carrier stores. I know voda have live demo units in there stores so maybe they can help?
Good idea makes sense.
Will check them out, thanks!
Thanks for the photos. Shows me what’s I’ve missed today by not being able to go to it. Instead, I was stuck at home with my 2 year old. Doh. Would have been nice meeting you and others and also seeing the new Lumia. =(
Maybe we’ll meet up for the Lumia 900 or that new mysterious Symbian N8-successor launch (if there is an event for it). =)
You from Australia? That is cool. Hopefully at the next event man.
Want me to forward you all the release notes?
Hey Michael, Yeah, I’m based in Sydney. Did you come to N9 Hilton event last year? I was there also. =)
If you can forward me those, that would be great. I really like the high res press photos and wouldn’t mind the datasheets also.
Just to reiterate that Nokia Maps will be available on all WP handsets, but the Nokia Drive (offline) navigation will be on Nokia WP handsets only.
Cheers, I went back over the info that was in the USB. Will update post to be correct
Its not totally offline though, there is minor data chargers with the gps navigation.
I remember that it does require an internet connection (Wi-Fi or 3G) for it to work as what one attendant at a Nokia-branded store pointed out. Worthwhile if you have a contract plan. Outside of that, forget it.
No it’s offline totally once the maps are dloaded, except for GPS charges.
I don’t think that was the the case in earlier WP, but it’s corrected now or is coming.
It’s definitely totally offline in Maemo6x…
I see. Thanks for the info. Might give it a try when the need arises. Meanwhile, I’ll just browse around for more info on how it works.
If I didn’t have a girlfriend to impress I would have been there! Ah well, my grey stock Lumia arrives tomorrow anyways, I ain’t paying $699!
Price dropped to $475usd for 800 on amazon. Must wait for the white though as my n9 is black.
Why have they hamstrung compatibility w/the N9 for the purity?
http://europe.nokia.com/find-products/accessories/headsets/stereo-wired-headsets/nokia-purity-hd-by-monster/compatibility
Again with the inequitable treatment…
Why is “hardware acceleration” good for enterprise, & what’s IRM?
And when in March is it coming, did they say?
Thank-you!
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with useful info to work on. You’ve done an impressive activity and our entire neighborhood will probably be thankful to you.
spam!!!!!