Nokia used to be the biggest name in cellular phones before Apple came along and launched the smartphone. Ever since then, the company has attempted to find its footing again. It did a stint as a Microsoft-owned phone company for a while, then retired for a bit. Then it came back with some new smartphones of its very own. What could it possibly do next? How about… Nokia TVs?
Opportunity Nokias
Those are totally a thing and they’re also totally launching here in South Africa before the end of the year. Bandwidth Blog reports that local electronics distributor Ellies will carry the brand’s series of smart TVs, but doesn’t go into any detail concerning which models we can expect to see on SA’s shores. Full HD and 4K models, from 24in to 75in in size, should make it to our local market — which encompasses all of the currently available Nokia sets. Whatever launches, they will be exclusive to Ellies, while “…Ellies’ exclusivity may be expanded and extended if they reach certain sales targets.”
There is a timeline, at least. The deal between Ellies and manufacturer StreamView will bring Nokia’s TV kit to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini, and Mozambique by the end of the year, with a. few other African countries also on the list at a future time. The company’s streaming boxes, which we previously saw launch in Europe, will also turn up in South Africa before long.
“We endeavour to keep up with the latest cutting-edge technology with a focus on enhancing user experience, allowing us to provide durable products at competitive prices. The foundation of our growth is built on technology, quality, design and service,” Streamview managing director Peter Schmalfuss said. “We build products that carry the Nokia legacy, and we bring this legacy into new product categories.”
