It was a week that belonged to the smaller smartphone makers. BlackBerry (BB 1.82%) and Nokia (NOK 6.11%) held events to update users on their latest developments.
Nokia naturally pushed new Lumia handsets. Is it a bad thing for Windows Phone that whenever Nokia puts out a new smartphone, the media gushes about the camera?
Over at BlackBerry Live, the smartphone pioneer introduced cheaper devices that will ideally help the company make headway in overseas markets, where wireless carriers don't heavily subsidize devices.
However, the most intriguing thing BlackBerry did was announce that it will open up BlackBerry Messenger and secure device management to iOS and Android devices. The move may seem like a concession to the two larger operating systems that control the vast majority of the smartphone market, but it's also a good way to make sure the BlackBerry brand remains relevant in mobile as it maps out its turnaround.
Briefly in the news
And now let's take a quick look at some of the other stories that shaped our week.
- Dublin-based mobile marketer Velti (NASDAQ: VELT) posted a widening deficit and a sharper-than-expected drop in revenue. It also offered up soft guidance. So much for the luck of the Irish.
- SodaStream (SODA) hit a 52-week high after a well-received Analyst Day. The company behind the popular soft-drink maker established a goal of $150 million to $180 million in adjusted earnings on $1 billion in revenue for 2016. Let's hope the fizz doesn't go flat by then.
- Tesla Motors (TSLA -3.40%) continued to rally to new highs despite moving to dilute shareholders with financing. Some investors are just too charged up to get upset with the leading player in electric cars.
