Koodo Mobile To Launch The Nokia Lumia 610
The Nokia Lumia 610 is coming to Canada and now it looks like it’s heading towards Koodo Mobile. This Windows Phone powered device will be available sometime this Summer and it looks like you can expect this entry level device to come in around the $200 no-term price. A refresher of specs has the Lumia 610 coming with a 3.7-inch display (400×800), 800 MHz processor, 5MP camera that captures 720p HD videos and Wi-Fi.
MobileSyrup
Nokia 'Sharpens Strategy' By Dropping Three Executives, Laying Off 10,000 And Dumping Vertu
Nokia is still trying to turn things around after a slew of losses, and has made some tough decisions about how to move forward by announcing it will reduce staff by up to 10,000 people before the end of 2013. That's all part of a plan to close factories in Finland, Germany and Canada. as well as refocusing its marketing efforts, streamlining support staff and reducing "non-core" assets. Additionally, it has sold the luxury brand Vertu to private equity group EQT VI in a deal that is expected to close during the second half of the year leaving just 10 percent of it in Nokia's hands.
Engadget
HTC Won’t Use Cheap Phones To Bolster Sales, CEO Says
Troubled smartphone manufacturer HTC plans to sell only medium- to high-end handsets despite struggling to match sales of its competitors. “We don’t want to destroy our brand image,” HTC CEO Peter Chou said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. “We insist on using better materials to make better products that offer premium experience. Many consumers like that.” The executive’s statements come at a time when many industry watchers are beginning to question HTC’s current strategy.
BGR
Apple’s Passbook Could Be A Platform, Not Just Another Mobile Payments Rival
At this week’s WWDC, Apple introduced a new application called “Passbook,” meant to function as an organizer for all your passes. It supports store cards, gift cards and coupons out of the gate, replacing their plastic counterparts, and providing an Apple-approved way to get consumers paying at checkout with their mobile phones. At first glance, it seems that Passbook’s launch is bad news for mobile wallet players like Square, PayPal, and others.
TechCrunch