Steady Growth: Windows Nokia Overtakes iOS and Blackberry in India, Holds15% Market in New Zealand
Microsoft's takeover of Nokia's handset device business may be good news for both companies, helping them reinforce their inherent capabilities. However, if reports are to be believed, the growth of Windows Phone is due to the strength of Nokia. Only time will tell how Microsoft performs once it drops the Nokia brand and starts manufacturing smartphones under its own logo.
Meanwhile, there is something Windows fans can cheer about. A report in the MyNokiaBlog says that Windows Phone has overtaken iOS and Blackberry in India. It is now occupying the second place in the market with a 5.6 per cent share. Although, it is still a far way behind Android, the report affirms that figures indicate that Microsoft is taking the right growth curve.
In India, Nokia Lumia 520 is said to have been a key driver of this growth. Even as Windows tries to consolidate its second position in the Indian market it has to keep Apple at bay as the latter is also targeting a 'cheaper' more colourful market segment. However, price points promise to be to Nokia's advantage.
After July reports of growth in the European markets, a recent report indicates that Windows Phone may actually be growing in other parts of the world, apart from India, as well. Studies suggest that, Windows is the second leading platform in Latin America, with a 25.6 per cent market share in Colombia, while Nokia continues to retain its position as the leader in the Russian phone market.
In New Zealand, Windows has increased its smartphone presence from 2 per cent to 15 per cent in just two years, accordingly to Paul Muckleston, Microsoft's general manager who revealed figures at a conference in Auckland recently.
Reports suggest that Microsoft is also focused on growth to ensure that apps developers are also building for the Microsoft platform. According to Muckleston, after Microsoft crossed the10 per cent threshold, they have seen a dramatic increase of the local apps being developed.
This comes after earlier reports that Windows Phones has been growing steadily in the European markets. July reports said, the Microsoft's mobile platform stood firmly on the third position after Android and iOS. In the biggest European markets like Germany, France, the UK and Spain, Windows Phone showed an impressive growth on year's base. For example, In France the sales have grown from 2.3 per cent to 9 per cent in just one year, the report said.