And so it begins…at least that’s what AT&T is wanting us to believe. In the recent days, AT&T.com has put up a coming soon page dedicated to the new Nokia Lumia 900. The page is concise and informative about the device and its Microsoft OS, highlighting different aspects like its ‘stunning’ hardware and polycarbonate construction. There is even a new video spot promoting it as a “beautifully different” device. Presumably, this will be a recurring tagline through out the campaign.
Of course, there isn’t a date of arrival, although you can be notified through e-mail when the device will be hitting stores. That said, there are rumors circulating throughout out some geek sites (like ours) that state an April 9th release date for the device. If true, we won’t be getting any Lumia 900 goodness for another two weeks, which begs into question the reliability of some of the earlier rumors of a March 18th release date provided by other sites with closer ties to informants within AT&T.
The increasing chatter around the webs is also heating up due to some information from AT&T sales reps stating that the device has been in the hands of AT&T store employees for some time now, and that Nokia is paying a hefty price, about $25 million to be exact, to make the Lumia 900 a company phone within AT&T. Such a designation would allow store employees to have the device for free of charge as opposed to paying it at a discount. This could further help bring most of the sales rep inline with a different outlook on the OS, and possibly instill a better attitude when recommending a Windows Phone device to their customers. To further improve such relationships, there are said to be training sessions with the device so sales associates will be familiar with the inner workings of the OS and the smartphone.
With the new Apple iPad out of the way, and no new devices from competitors with the sort of weight that the Lumia 900 is getting from AT&T, its good to know that the new interest from the telecommunications company is finally underway. Still, there are also big questions to be asked. For instance, when does the big roll-out of advertising on TV, web and newspaper ads begin? With seemingly, if that April 9th date is to be believed, seventeen days between now and the launch date, is AT&T and Nokia cutting it close regarding the exposure of the phone to the masses?
Having a strong debut with huge sales is an important psychological motivator, both for consumer and company, that backing a Windows Phone powered device such as the Nokia Lumia 900 was a good idea. With time seemingly running out, Nokia and AT&T better start making big marketing moves to increase first day sales of the device.
How about it? Excited that the device is finally being showcased through AT&T.com? How do you feel the marketing approach is unfolding? Let us know in the comments below. Don’t forget to Like Us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @zunited.
Rogers Canada is now accepting pre-orders for the Lumia 900. Along with that, those who pre-order the 900 are entered for a chance to win a private screening of The Dark Knight Rises and a special edition Dark Knight Lumia 900. Five runner ups will have to buy their own movie tickets but worry not Nokia has your back and will be hooking you up with a free special edition The Dark Knight Rises Lumia 900. The Lumia 800 was shown off before in a official Dark Knight skin, this time around the Lumia 900 will get the spotlight along with its differentiating factor, the front facing camera.
