Nokia has partnered with News24.com to deliver the country's first local widget. This follows the recent unveiling of the local Nokia Ovi store, an online media service offering free and paid-for content for Nokia users.
According to the company, a widget is essentially a shortcut key which can be downloaded onto a mobile device, enabling users to get instant access to real-time content. Widgets allow users to experience an 'always open' window to their favourite social networking sites and Internet destinations, explains Helen Jarvis, Nokia's services marketing manager.
“In order to ensure that we continue to offer users a rewarding and sustainable consumer experience, it is crucial that we partner with top local brands such as News24,” says Jarvis. She adds that increased collaboration promotes the development of solutions which allow consumers to personalise their devices and services according to their needs.
Commenting on the partnership, News24 editor Jannie Momberg says the availability of the widget on the Nokia N97 strengthens News24's position as a digital news brand in SA. “This widget gives South Africans another convenient channel to access News24's content and, with the Nokia N97 mobile bringing the Internet to users who may not have PC access, the widget offers News24 to an exciting new market segment.”
The widget follows on the heels of Nokia's recent announcement of the “Calling All Innovators” competition. “The competition calls for the development of South African applications and I have no doubt that we will see top-class local content developed and made available on the Ovi store,” says Jarvis.
“We have listened to what the consumer is asking for and we are proactively addressing this need to give users a content-rich experience. The News24 widget is just the first example of this,” she concludes.
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