Seven signs Dopod
Push email vendor Seven has signed up Dopod, its first Asian handset-maker to use its software.
Seven marketing vice president Ari Backholm said until now the company had sold its software through partnerships with more than 20 operators in the region. He said Seven's software is now carried on more than 1 million devices worldwide, with the number growing more than 150,000 in the last quarter.
The Taiwanese firm will embed Seven's email software in its C7320W GSM handset.
Windows Mobile 6 to debut in Q2
Microsoft has released the latest version of its smartphone OS, Windows Mobile 6. The first devices to be powered by the platform will be in the market by Q2, Microsoft said.
The new OS is designed to work with Vista and Windows Live. It offers HTML email with live Web links, improved performance of MS Office apps and direct push technology that syncs email and calendars, plus improved security.
Windows Mobile-powered device shipments jumped 135% last year, according to IDC. However, Microsoft is still a minor player in the market, accounting for less than 10% of all smartphones shipped.
Nokia doubles VC fund
Nokia Growth Partners, a private equity firm backed by the handset giant, has doubled its investment program to $200 million.
The enlarged fund - launched with $100 million in 2004 - will target emerging markets, with a special focus on China and India, Nokia said in a statement. It will focus on growth stage tech companies "that share an alignment of business interests with Nokia."
Another Nokia-backed VC firm, Blue Run Ventures, specializes in early stage tech.