Handset manufacturer Nokia is teaming up with Polar Mobile to launch more than 300 applications for its mobile devices over the next year.

The partnership is a clear indicator that Nokia is vying to extend its mobile presence in the space.The apps will be compatible with Nokia?s Symbian, MeeGo and Windows Phone devices.

?When we look at what our customers? primary objective is in mobile, today it?s to grow their audience,? said Kunal Gupta, CEO of Polar Mobile, Toronto.

Nokia is a phone manufacturer that connects more than 1.3 billion people.

Polar Mobile is a mobile platform that helps companies launch branded mobile apps.

Join the crowd
In addition to Nokia?s goal to launch more than 300 apps, the company plans to have 50 apps available in the next month.

The apps will be usable on Symbian devices and available in Nokia?s Ovi Store.

?The initial 50 media brands that Polar Mobile will launch on Symbian smartphones next month include a variety of customers from China, Indonesia, the Middle East, Britain, France, the United States and Canada, across a variety of verticals, including news, sports, entertainment and lifestyle,? Mr. Gupta said.

Publications including Wired UK, Kompas, Advertising Age and the Shanghai Daily are all confirmed media companies that will launch apps on Nokia devices.

Vying for reach
The Nokia and Polar Mobile deal is a clear indicator of Nokia?s goal to become a leader in the space.

The Finish company recently sold an operator-focused business to focus more on its smartphones (see story).

Additionally, Nokia reported drooping revenues and sales in July (see story).

Nokia?s announcement that the company will be rolling out applications on Symbian and feature phones is interesting from an international perspective because the company announced they would not be selling feature phones in the U.S. to instead push forward with Windows 7 smartphones.

?As we look to grow our company globally, supporting Nokia handsets is a big move for our customers in China, Indonesia, the Middle East and Britain,? Mr. Gupta said.

?All device manufacturers are starting to recognize that consumers are purchasing new handsets not only based on price, form factor and carrier, but also based on the ecosystem of Apps available,? he said. ?Apps are dominating consumer mindshare and as a result will dominate device sales in the future.?

Final Take
Lauren Johnson is editorial assistant on Mobile Marketer, New York