Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) has jumped on the 3-D printing bandwagon. In a bid to win over the maker subculture of do-it-yourselfers, the company has released all the details necessary for a user to 3-D print their very own custom shell for the Lumia 820 smartphone. For investors, this announcement will not be immediately game-changing, but over the long term, the implications could have profound effects on both the smartphone and 3-D printing industries. This may be the first of many announcements from smartphone manufacturers to create increased loyalty to their brand, which would put Nokia in the advantageous first-mover position. Not to mention, it’s likely another positive development for the consumer-oriented side of the 3-D printing industry.
Modular future
Winners and losers
3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) could benefit from a consumer-driven response for customizable smartphone shells though its Cube line of 3-D printers. These printers start at $1,299 and go all the way up to $3,999 for the serious enthusiast, giving users the capacity to print objects as large as a basketball in as many as three colors. If Nokia’s announcement is the beginning of a new trend, Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS)‘s Mojo professional desktop printer could become in demand for businesses looking to capitalize on this movement. The Mojo printer costs $9,900, but can be leased for a more palatable $185 a month. The potential drawback of the Mojo is its lack of color; it only prints in white, but the objects it produces can later be painted or plated with other colors and materials.
Print market share?
With a move like this, Nokia is positioning itself on the bleeding edge of 3-D printing technology revolution, which over the long term could have a meaningful impact for investors. An endorsement by the 3-D printing maker community could drive loyalist market share significantly higher for its products. Nokia is thinking outside of the box, which is great thing for shareholders, especially when you consider that Nokia lost its place as one of the top five smartphone manufacturers in Q3. If Nokia continues in this direction, Nokia’s future prospects may offer a lot of promise.
Nokia’s been struggling in a world of Apple and Android smartphone dominance. However, the company has banked its future on its next generation of Windows smartphones. Motley Fool analyst Charly Travers has created a new premium report that digs into both the opportunities and risks facing Nokia to help investors decide if the company is a buy or sell. To get started, simply click here now.
The article Nokia Endorses the Next Trillion-Dollar Revolution originally appeared on Fool.com.
Fool contributor Steve Heller owns shares of 3D Systems. The Motley Fool recommends 3D Systems and Stratasys (NASDAQ:SSYS). The Motley Fool owns shares of 3D Systems and Stratasys and has the following options: Short Jan 2014 $55 calls on 3D Systems and short Jan 2014 $30 puts on 3D Systems. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
