What's in a name?

Well, for Nokia, at least, quite a lot. It's dropping the official use of terms such as Symbian^3 and Symbian^4 for its new phones. Instead it will be just using Symbian as a catch all.

The switch is backed by a change to a model of continuous evolution from the previous release based model: something that's part of wider organisation changes in the company. 

Additionally, there will be technological component, as Nokia unifies the development process for both its Symbian and MeeGo operating systems, using its Qt framework.

The aim is to ensure that developers and consumers are future ready, with the score of updates and improvements that roll out in the years to come filtering down to users who pick up a Symbian^3 handset today.

Fixing the framework

As a result, cross platform app framework Qt is to become the focus for both Symbian and MeeGo going forward, with any updates made to Symbian^4 through Qt in the future therefore compatible with Symbian^3.

"The decision to focus on Qt as the sole application development framework will ensure that applications will continue to be compatible with future evolutions of Symbian as well as upcoming MeeGo products," Nokia said in a statement.

"In addition, Nokia announces its intent to support HTML5 for development of web content and applications for both Symbian and MeeGo platforms.

"To demonstrate its commitment to the new offering, Nokia will develop its own future applications using Qt for a more consistent experience and better integration of applications and services."

Symbian streamlined

The off shoot of all this, besides Nokia becoming a notable HTML5 backer, is that the concept of different versions of Symbian is to be dropped - at least from a public perspective.

"Nokia will no longer refer to Symbian^3 or Symbian^4," Nokia said, adding that Symbian is to become a constantly evolving and improving platform.

"We're making strategic technology decisions that will accelerate our ability to offer the strongest possible opportunity for developers and the richest possible experience for consumers," added Nokia CTO Rich Green.

[source: Nokia]