(Column) - Well, well, well, it looks like Nokia has learned a valuable lesson from Motorola and LG on viral (read: spicy) product names. Up until this point, Nokia has focused primarily on model numbers, which, to be honest, are tough to remember and get excited about. Motorola’s RAZR and LG’s VX8500 Chocolate, on the other hand, peak your interest enough to warrant them a serious look. That’s what Motorola and LG expected when they delivered those names.

In comparison, it’s safe to say Nokia products aren’t exactly spicy enough to kindle a conversation, which has a lot to do with product names. With more and more companies releasing what they believe to be the next-generation, revolutionary products with standalone and viral names, Nokia is considerably backwards in that regard.

Today, however, Nokia announced its decision to focus on more spicy names in the future with upcoming products. "What you will see coming from us in the future is not just a numbering system, you are going to start to see names that carry a meaning and are important to consumers," said Keith Pardy, Executive, Nokia (Source: CNET Alpha). I’m excited, undoubtedly, but at the same time, I’m very disappointed.

Nokia is a supposed to be a market leader and to think that it couldn’t rationalize coming up with better product names doesn’t say much for the company. It had to rely on its competitors to prove a theory that consumers recognize and relate to products that hold some meaning. While playing the role of a follower, Nokia lost countless opportunities to brand itself as a company worthy enough for enthusiasts to consider. It’s a tragedy for Nokia, and I hope they see it that way.

Thankfully, it’s not too late. Nokia is a well known company and given a creative selection of products, it can certainly have an impact on the industry. After all, I can’t think of any other company focusing on fashionable phones other than Nokia. If Nokia can combine its deadly fashion phones with spicy product names, that will bound to create a hot-and-spicy dish.