
Nokia (NYSE: NOK) is spending $150 million to promote its cutting edge Nseries smartphones, and is appointing Wieden & Kennedy to handle the account. Previously, the Interpublic Group had handed the account since January 2005, AdAge reports. Previously, Wieden managed Nokia’s $260 million global ad budget for everything but the Nseries phones. People close to the pitch confirmed the move, but all of the parties involved did not immediately return phone calls. It will be interesting to see how the handset-maker positions itself in a market going forward. Previous campaigns focused on the phones’ high-quality video capability and a campaign in 2006 featured British film star Gary Oldman, who has appeared in “Batman Begins” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” Nokia is likely feeling the pressure from Apple (NSDQ: AAPL), and even Google (NSDQ: GOOG), who are developing high-end phones with well integrated Internet services. Nokia will actual have some tough challenges in the future, especially when it comes to positioning the 5800 XpressMusic. Not only is it the company’s first touchscreen phone, but it will have to educate consumers on its unlimited music service program called “Comes With Music.”
Photos: Nokia N96; N810 WiMax Edition; N76; N810
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