14 DAY TRIAL // The Ovi File Service is set to get the axe on October 1, 2010, Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia announced its Ovi users via email.
Ovi Files, a service previously known as Files on Ovi, was opened in beta back in July 2008, and was made a free service in late July last year.
Although it offers similar functionality as SugarSync and DropBox offer, Ovi Files enjoyed only a small number of users when compared to competitive solutions, something that might have determined Nokia to close it down.
“Please make sure to uninstall the Ovi Files Connector installed on your personal computer. To do this, execute the standard Windows or Macintosh uninstall procedure that came with your computer. You will not lose any files as a result of this service discontinuation,” Nokia announced it users.
“Ovi Files simply creates an 'online mirror' of the files saved on your Windows PC or Mac, so your original files will remain intact. The files on your computer are always treated as the master version, even if some are selected as 'Anytime Files,'" the aforementioned email states.
The announcement seems to be a step backwards for Nokia, which said a while ago that it plans on making big investments in the services it offers to all Nokia mobile phone users.
“You will still be able to share content between your phone and PC using another Nokia product, Nokia Ovi Suite. With Nokia Ovi Suite installed on your PC, you can do the following: sync your contacts and messages; transfer videos, photos, and music; back up your Nokia and update your device software,” Nokia notes.
However, unlike the Ovi Files service, which did all the synchronization over the air, the Nokia Ovi Suite requires for the handset to be connected to a computer via a USB cable.
While Ovi Files would be closed down in one month from now, other Nokia services would remain live for the company's customers, including Ovi Maps, Ovi Store, or Ovi Music.