Reflecting the increasing impact that Latin American style and culture is expected to have on the future design of mobile devices and services, Nokia has opened a satellite design studio in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Based at the Design School of UniverCidade, it will bring together Nokia designers, students and established local designers to explore new trends and ideas that will influence products for the Latin American and global markets.

The satellite studio is the second in a series Nokia is establishing in the world's hottest new design capitals. The first was opened in Bangalore, India, last year. Set up in partnership with leading design schools in each country, the fixed term studios bring Nokia designers directly into contact with local cultures and influences that will help inspire new design ideas and provide local students with hands on experience of working with a world class global design team.

Over the next two years, the Rio satellite studio will be involved in a range of research projects exploring new cultural, social and design influences across Brazil. Nokia designers from around the world will visit the studio to take part in the research and work directly with the students. Designers will look beyond the city to consider how mobile devices or services could be designed to meet the needs of more rural communities in Brazil and other countries around the world.