Nokia to acquire mobile browser firm Novarra

Nokia has signed an agreement to acquire mobile web browser and platform maker Novarra for an undisclosed sum.

The move will allow Nokia to use Novarra's capabilities to deliver an enhanced browsing experience on its own mobile devices.

Nokia said that it expects a new service taking advantage of the acquired technology to be made available within the year.

Niklas Savander, executive vice president of Nokia's services unit, explained that the firm expects the next billion consumers to access the web through mobile devices, so it is important that it's able to deliver an enhanced mobile internet experience.

"By driving innovation in all segments of our portfolio, we are building one of the largest consumer audiences for web services and content. Novarra's technology delivered on Nokia's Series 40 will help us achieve this," he said.

Tony Cripps, principal analyst at Ovum, believes that the move makes sense as it will improve the browsing experience on Nokia's mid-range devices to meet the growing demand for mobile web access.

"The continual rise of mobile data traffic means that Nokia's acquisition of Novarra will allow it improve its browsing experience and use the technology to reduce the amount of bandwidth that data traffic takes up," he said.

Cripps also argued that the deal will give Nokia the option to license the browser to other mobile firms to help increase revenues and give it a greater insight into user browsing habits on its mobile devices.

"The information Nokia could gather from having its own dedicated browser on mid-tier devices could help it generate new revenue streams through advertising or marketing," he added.

The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of the year.