afaqs! news bureau
Digital

The Times of India launches apps for Nokia smartphones

After launching the TOI app for mobile platforms such as iPad, iPhone, Android and BlackBerry, the media company now makes available its news app on the Symbian platform (owned by Nokia).

Times Internet, the digital arm of Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited (BCCL), has recently launched an application for The Times of India (TOI) newspaper, suitable for consumption on Nokia smartphones.

The TOI app will provide latest news and content related to national, international, business, entertainment, movies, health, sports and technology areas, from more than 30 Indian cities. There will be dedicated photo galleries for news, entertainment and fashion. Users will be able to change the text size on article pages and share articles with friends via Facebook, Twitter, email and SMS.

The Times of India launches apps for Nokia smartphones
To access it, consumers will be required to download the TOI app from Nokia Ovi Store and install it on their Nokia phones. The app is compatible with all Nokia touch and QWERTY smartphones running on Symbian S60 platforms. It supports both portrait and landscape modes.

Speaking on the reasons for opting for Nokia phones, a spokesperson from Times Internet Limited (TIL) says, "Nokia is the world's largest phone manufacturer and it clearly leads the segment in India. It was an easy choice for us to be present on this platform. Besides, both the TOI and Nokia are market leaders in their respective segments, with India being a very strategic market for both brands. So, it was easy to find synergy."

He adds, "The TIL team worked very closely with the Nokia team to ensure the best experience for the app user. We have benefited from Nokia's in-depth understanding of the platform in terms of technology, design and user interface."

The app will be available for free. The media company plans to monetise the app through advertising. TIL also plans to promote the app through print, online and mobile platforms. "Print is integral to our promotion plan. As Nokia users are very widely distributed, we want to benefit from the deep reach of our print properties," says the spokesperson.

The company declined to reveal the total number of TOI-Nokia app downloads so far. It has also not revealed any plans to launch apps for its other newspaper brands.

For the record, the TOI app is also available on other mobile platforms such as iPad, iPhone, Android and BlackBerry.

Have news to share? Write to us atnewsteam@afaqs.com