Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Jolla promises to fight low app count with "interesting solution"

This article is based on Finnish magazine IT-Viikko's article on the newly announced Jolla Mobile startup. This article is a "translation" out of request by Tomi Ahonen.





Jolla Mobile is every MeeGo and mobile Linux enthusiast's new best friend, and probably the most interesting startup from Finland in mid-2012. Jolla Mobile promises to "continue" Nokia's MeeGo work with MeeGo powered devices of their own. 

One of the problems facing the start-up is answering the competition over apps. Modern day smartphone platforms thrive on the apps they run, and the competition (Android, iOS, and even Symbian) have appstores filled to the brimm with apps. It is still uncertain, if apps made for Nokia's N9 device can be run on the to-be-announced range of MeeGo devices from Jolla.

According to Finnish magazine IT-Viikko, CEO of Jolla Mobile Jussi Hurmola promises that Jolla has "an interesting answer" to the challenge.
' It is evident that we must face up to this challenge. Our solution is so interesting, though that it is better left for revealing at the same time with our announcements.' Hurmola says cryptically. The CEO is reluctant to address confusion over whether apps from the MeeGo-Harmattan device N9 will work on Jolla's devices.

To add to the secrecy, Hurmola adds that 'we have contemplated a total separation from so called smartphones, although our first product will be a phone.' Jolla Mobile's first device will arrive before year's end. 'New device categories pop up all the time, and they change every year.' he says. 'It will be interesting to see, what kinds of new device categories will emerge.'

Jolla has "open and close" relations to Nokia says Hurmola. Nokia gave Jolla Mobile a share of patents that relate to MeeGo. (This turns out to be incorrect, also IT-Viikko corrected themselves! Thanks for the tip!) Jolla has participated in Nokia's Bridge-programme, where Jolla's business plan was reviewed and accepted by Nokia. Nokia's Bridge-programme attempts to ease the formation of startups of former Nokia employees.