May 24, 2010 – Entertainment, sport, navigation, gaming all on one platform, that is what Nokia is offering customers through Ovi.

Many Nokia owners in Kenya have long been confused about this platform and how exactly it works. So this is for you…

Ovi, means ‘door’ in Finnish, (the home of Nokia). It enables consumers to easily access their existing social network, communities and content, acting as a gateway to Nokia services and as a personal dashboard to your life.

Nokia’s Communications Manager for East and Southern Africa, Dorothy Ooko said that many of the content industry’s biggest and most recognised names along with independent application developers are distributing their media, applications and games through Nokia’s Ovi Store.

“Ovi Store is Nokia’s one-stop-shop for free and paid content, with support for a range of device types from smartphones to feature phones. Globally, Nokia device owners, in more than 180 countries, across more than 100 Nokia device models in 30 languages have access to Ovi Store,” she added.

Ovi exists in three environments: mobile device, PC and the web.

The experience suites icons on top of the ovi.com page are entry points to various Nokia services and on the personalised ovi.com home page, you are able to follow media streams and contacts all in one place.

Dorothy held a function last week to enhance understanding of the applications, where she explained that the goal of Ovi was to bring all your media and pals together.

“You can open a single Ovi account that gives you access to all Nokia services from your personalised home page,” she pointed out.

Here is some background info:

Ovi on mobile

Ovi is an integral part of Nokia’s multimedia device portfolio, starting with the Nokia N-series devices. The familiar experience suite icons help with navigation across the various applications. Suites combine multiple functionality and applications under a single icon. For example, under the Music suite you can access and listen to your music collection, edit playlists, launch the FM or Internet radio, listen to podcasts and naturally access the Nokia Music Store or other music stores.

Games

Experience the latest in mobile football gaming and battle to win the cup for your country. Games available include Gameloft’s Real Football 2010 and Real Football Manager 2010, and the latest football games from EA SPORTS.

Touchnote

A picture is worth a thousand words, but reminding everyone your country beat their country with a postcard is priceless. This app takes digital pictures and makes them into physical postcards in a matter of clicks.

Social networking

Whether heading to South Africa or just down the street to your local bar, stay in touch with your friends and family to let them know where you are watching the game. Share your football experience with fans back home, comment on games, post media, and find out where the nearby parties are.  Social networks like Nimbuzz and Buddycloud make sharing easy from your Nokia device.

Ovi Maps

Don’t miss the Game because you got lost, Use new Ovi Maps with free walk and drive navigation available on Nokia smartphones to find your way to stadium, bar, park, or wherever you choose to watch the game. After the game, find the best sights, restaurants, hotels and events wherever you are through the Lonely Planet and Michelin travel guides that come free with the new Ovi Maps. To download Ovi Maps, visit www.store.ovi.com.

Got it?