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]
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Related Articles
Top Stories
Feature
May 17th, 2024
New release roundup: The best new mobile games from a battle royale to a console classic remake
Feature
May 16th, 2024
Behind the scenes: How adding sandwich offers to an idle merge game boosted three metrics at once
Events
Valencia Indie Summit 2024 | Europe | May 16th |
Digital Dragons | Europe | May 19th |
GamesBeat Summit 2024 | North America | May 20th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Nordic Game Spring 2024 | Nordic | May 21st |
Impact 2024 - Indie Games | May 23rd | |
MomoCon 2024 | North America | May 24th |
Morocco Gaming Expo | Africa | May 24th |
Popular Stories
Feature
May 14th, 2024
53 top mobile games in soft launch: Squad Busters, Battle Guys: Royale, Plants vs. Zombies 3, LEGO Hill Climb Adventures, and more
Feature
May 13th, 2024
Hot Five: Dubai's new Gaming Visa, April's mobile game charts, and Xbox studio closures
Feature
May 14th, 2024