Nokia
The history: Nokia originated in Finland in 1865. But it wasn’t always about mobile phones. Before the people at Nokia had touchscreens and GPRS on their mind, they were manufacturing paper. It’s true! Fredrik Idestam was the founder of the company that was previously known as ‘Nokia Ab.’ Nokia first arrived in Australia in 1985.
What they’re up to: Nokia not only specialise in mobile technology, but also network infrastructure.
They’re awesome because: Nokia have been named ‘National Best Employer in 2002’, and they support LandCare and CoastCare initiatives. Nokia have remained in first place in ‘Greenpeace’s Guide to Greener Electronics’. You may also remember in 1998, Nokia had what was apparently the most popular mobile phone in the world: the 5110 – everybody had one!
Motorola
The history: This well-known manufacturing company was founded in 1928 by two brothers, Paul V. Galvin and Joseph in Illinois, USA.
What they’re up to: Motorola continue to develop and manufacture mobile phones, as well as sell wireless network infrastructure.
They’re awesome because: They are a company of ‘world firsts.’ These include the first FM portable two-way radio, the world's first truly rectangular colour TV tube, and the world's first commercial portable cellular phone. They also transmitted the first words from the moon in 1969!
Apple Inc.
The history: Steve Jobs was the man behind the nibbled apple, and it wasn’t always about iTunes and iPhones. It was about personal home computers. In fact, Apple Inc. only entered the mobile phone market in 1997, with the first edition of the iPhone.
What they’re up to: Apple have just released the iPad, a tablet computer that sits somewhere between a laptop computer and an iPhone.
They’re awesome because: Apple Inc. may have only entered the mobile market in 2007, but by 2009 the iPhone accounted for approximately 14% of smartphone sales!
Research in Motion (BlackBerry)
The history: Apples are not the only fruit. Canadian company Research in Motion (RIM) launched their first BlackBerry smartphone in 1999. BlackBerry phones are famous for their focus on mobile email, making them a popular choice amongst business professionals and email junkies.
What they’re up to: RIM is currently busy commanding a 20.8% share of smartphone sales.
They’re awesome because: BlackBerry mobile phones are famous for their ability to receive emails in real time. This had lead to mobile email addiction, and the devices have earned the nickname ‘CrackBerry.’ But we prefer to call them ‘berries’.