Nokia Lumia 800 tops marketshare, but what about app usage?

It feels like it was just yesterday that we ran the story about Nokia stealing the top-spot (opens in new tab) with regards to Windows Phone market-share.
Analytic firms often throw around numbers, and for the most part we just believe them. This does of course make sense, as any reputable firm would much rather keep a good name, than make up random numbers. But it's always good to see actual data backing up what they tell us. Enter: app statistics!
So I thought now would be a good time to checkout the usage of my apps on a device level. My first app was published just 6 months ago, so obviously that is the furthest back I can see.
In the image below I have rounded up the total device usage over the apps since the beginning of their lives up until today. Although there are no numbers on the graphs, the height of each device's blue bar represents how many unique users that app has had over the alloted time. It makes sense that the older the app, the lower the Lumia's position will be (because users of those devices have had less time to use apps). The only app that varies from this is Metro Wall, but I cannot figure out why. It could be that it is featured in the 'App Highlights' app that comes pre-installed, but then again, Tweet This Song is mentioned there most of the time too.
So without further ado, I bring to you (yes, that may have been an Eminem quote):
But far more important than the above, is whether recent stats show that the Lumia's position has gotten better. So the next set of graphs are taken from the time between 24'th December 2011 and 24'th February 2012. Not only is this a two month stretch, it also seemed fitting as it starts just before Christmas day, when a lot of people are getting shiny new toys.
Just like in the first image, the yellow stars show the Lumia's positions. But in the above picture we can also see the change in position (marked by a faded star). So in every single app (except Project Mosaic for some reason) the Lumias (whether it be the 800 or 710) are the most used phones for the last two months.
Nokia have been doing an amazing job at marketing their new devices, and it really is paying off. And the people that are buying these phones are most definitely using them.
Other manufacturers seriously need to take note of what Nokia is doing. In just a few months they have cemented themselves as the number one seller, and although they do have good devices, I think with a little effort the other manufacturers could get good results too. It's nice to see the money Nokia is putting into marketing translating into sales. Maybe, just maybe, others will consider doing some actual advertising one day too.
What do you, our readers, think? Are Nokia's devices just far superior to anything else on the market, or are they gaining traction so fast because of their marketing? Or is it a mixture?
You can download these apps here (opens in new tab). And the in-app data is from Localytics (opens in new tab).
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I still love my Titan, but yeah I'd go for a Nokia if I had a chance... Mostly because they're making an effort and not just paying lip service.
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Wake up Sprint 800 or better ASAP
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Sprint has already said that it has no plans to sell any more WP devices. If you're still on Sprint and waiting for them to change their minds, you're fooling yourself. Best bet is AT&T or T-Mobile, possibly Verizon if they broaden their WP portfolio. Sprint is an anti-Windows carrier at this point.
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There a Mix. It's unique in looks and gets the heaviest marketing to date. If you look at some comments on app reviews there is a lot of Titan comments on apps and games not working. So there seems to be some generation difference. Oh, and about most powerfull, I go for the HTC Titan, but best screen quality is Lumia 800.
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Bring Nokia 710 to vzw and sprint...the fans out there anxiously
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These devices are simply beautiful. I already own an N9 and still couldn't resist to buy a Lumia 800 although I intended to wait for a European version of the Lumia 900. N9/Lumia 800 are simply incredibly beautifully designed, Windows Phone's metro design is too. So it's a perfect fit.
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The Lumia 800 simply felt like the first real Windows Phone. It turns heads of iUsers because of design and screen. My LG Optimus was just as good, except for the amazing Lumia screen. You just couldn't tell it was sth special and not just one more Android Phone. So yes, it's design and display! I'm a bit proud of that unforeseen pun ;).
One more thing: Because the Lumia-experience feels so wrapped up and comforting, I find myself using less random apps than on my old LG. If that's not just me, it might affect your statistics. Its just my second phone, and I am past the biggest part of my playing-phase with WP7. I may be not alone here. -
I've been patiently waiting for an attractive-looking WP device since the launch of WP in 2010...I am STILL without a WP, but not for long! I will be purchasing a Nokia Lumia 800 or 900. Nokia, for me, filled the major requirement for my phone purchase - a unique and attractive aesthetic; HTC and Samsung will never be able to accomplish this, not for my money at least :)
Not sure if your apps have been featured or demoed on MyNokiaBlog or AAWP; but I'd wager that since there are some Symbian converts to WP that visit those sites for insights and tips, downloads of your apps could potentially be even greater. -
I bought a Lumia 800 cause it has the best display quality (better than my previous Omnia 7), and it has better design too :)
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I think this is the result of: 1. A well known brand
2. Marketing where it is popular and smartphone market share is high
3. Sparking interest about an amazing new smartphone
4. Little or no reference to Microsoft and Windows Phone
5. Hardware and software design and UX closing the deal -
I agree with these points, and will emphasize these two...
1. The Nokia brand is more than well-known, it's synonymous with quality - which is important to build credibility for the device and OS platform.
2. I'd go further and say it's actually had marketing. Everything I've seen up to now has been extremely thin on marketing. I'd go as far as saying that, up until end of 2011, almost no layperson even knows about Windows Phones at all.
and add another...
6. Coming out with a one/two punch with premier Nokia device/OS platform for CES. this garnered visibility that went beyond half-hearted pundit respect in the past, and moved into the realm of an award winner. This is related to marketing, but boosted the marketing message.
Like many examples in the past, when a vendor of a platform has found anemic support for that platform, they have often taken the reins and created a premier leader for the other manufacturers to align with. I think this is the situation this time with MS realizing their OS was treated as a second-class platform for their devices. By upping the ante with Nokia, and hopefully getting the other cell device manufacturers to step up to the challenge, it will create an attractive and competitive combination for consumers and cell service providers.
Now it's a matter of also getting the cell service providers to start treating WP as a first-class platform choice to start to get real traction. -
And ofcourse Swedish design :) (N9, Lumia 800 is designed by swedish designer Anton Fahlgren). And also Nokia is the first one to focus on WP7, Samsung and HTC is Android mobiles atleast in my mind i think of android and those companies.
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What can you do? HTC and Samsung just don't seem interested, they concentrate all their efforts on android and seem content to release their WP phones and then forget about them. Would be nice for the platform if they gave a damn but as they don't, well done Nokia.
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HTC is putting up a decent effort but their android line is starting to struggle too, and even though AT&T has the most wp7s T- mobile the only one advertising them and they're pushing the 710. Then Europe was never big with HTC anyway and Samsung really doesn't care, so it makes a lot of sense
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I expect AT&T will be advertising the hell out of the WP devices when the Lumia 900 lands.
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I agree. My only concern is that when WP gets hot, all of a sudden Sammy and HTC can say "Hey we have phones too!" and jump on the bandwagon without putting in the work that Nokia and MS did.
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If VZW doesn't get a Nokia phone before my contract is up, I'm switching carriers. My HTC Trophy is the best smartphone I ever owned; BUT Nokia is doing a much better job of supporting the WP7 platform.
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Well ive used my lumia 800 since swedish launch paralell with my webos pre2, and before that ive always run 2 devices , like HTC magic, iPhone and so on. webos is still the best mobile OS by far, but i really love my lumia. It far exceeds the Ios and android devices that ive had. for NOW, the lumia is the best phone available or atleast one of the best
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I want other manufacturers to get on the board and do well job. Nokia doing nice, no doubt. But why HTC is so quite? Didnt it think they can bank on WP?
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I realize it may not be as full featured as the higher end models, what with it lesser storage, but I really enjoy my 710 Lumia fully! Its light, gorgeous and really well done. 4G is fast and I for one can't wait for Eight... =P
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As a tech marketer - it's pretty simple...
1. Start with a good to great product
2. Get a plan going
3. Line up sales and marketing and partner channels
4. Line up advertising
5. Launch
Apple has this down to a T.
The Lumia shows, even with half-baked marketing... things gel eventually and work.