S60 (Symbian)
A popular smartphone OS in Europe and much of the world before the iPhone. Nokia was its main developer and user. Nokia tried to license the OS to other manufacturers, with limited success. Nokia has since focused its efforts on Windows Phone.
by: Nokia
WhatsApp Ending Support for Blackberry and Symbian OSes
WhatsApp plans to cease supporting a handful of older mobile operating systems by the end of the year. WhatsApp will stop working on devices running Android 2.1 and 2.2; all BlackBerry OSes, including BlackBerry 10; Nokia's S40 and Symbian S60 platforms; and Windows Phone 7.1. "While these mobile devices have been an important part of our story, they don't offer the kind of capabilities we need to expand our app's features in the future," explained WhatsApp in a blog post. WhatsApp suggests people relying on devices that run this operating systems upgrade to newer hardware if they wish to continue using WhatsApp. Facebook bought WhatsApp in 2014 for $16 billion. Facebook says WhatsApp has more than 1 billion users worldwide.
Google Killing Off More Mobile Services, Including Sync
Google today announced some "Winter Cleaning," which will see it shutter a few mobile products and services. In particular, Google said that as of January 30, 2013, consumers won't be able to set up new devices using Google Sync. Devices that already use Google Sync will continue to work. Google suggests that people use IMAP, CalDAV and CardDAV instead to duplicate those services. Google Sync for Symbian S60 handsets will also no longer be available after January 30, 2013. Google is killing off Google Calendar Sync for all mobile devices today, December 14. Last, Google plans to get rid of Punchd, a service that lets Android and iOS device owners manage their retail loyalty cards. Punchd will go inactive starting June 7, 2013.
Nokia to Stop Selling Symbian and S40 Phones in U.S.
In an interview with AllThingsD's Ina Fried, Nokia U.S. President Chris Weber said that the company will cease selling its Symbian smartphones and its S40-based feature phones in the U.S. market. Weber said, "When we launch Windows Phones we will essentially be out of the Symbian business, the S40 business, etc. It will be Windows Phone and the accessories around that. The reality is if we are not successful with Windows Phone, it doesn’t matter what we do (elsewhere)." Weber indicated that the company is prioritizing the North American market with its forthcoming Windows Phone devices, and will sell them only through U.S. wireless network operators. He also noted that Nokia's San Diego facility will be behind the first batch of Windows Phone 7 devices that it will launch, which will be targeted at the U.S. market. Nokia has long sold feature phones through U.S. carriers, though few of its S60/Symbian smartphones gained traction with U.S. buyers. Nokia announced in February that it would cease developing Symbian and would instead adopt Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 platform.
PayPal Debuts App for S60 and Symbian^3
PayPal has made a new mobile application available to the Nokia S60 5th Edition and Symbian^3 platforms that lets users access their PayPal accounts from their Nokia phone and perform tasks such as send payments an manage their account.
Nokia Updates Ovi Store for Symbian and S60
Nokia today released an update to its Ovi Store software for all devices running Symbian^3, S60 3rd Edition and S60 5th Edition. The update is being distributed to make sure that Nokia's devices maintain compatibility with its back-end systems. It also provides a boost in performance. In order to update, users need only open the Ovi Store app on their device.
S60 3rd Edition Gains HTML Email Support
Nokia Beta Labs has today released a new version of Nokia Email for S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 handsets. Version 3.05 brings support for HTML emails, which are now opened directly in the email program. Other new features include data encryption, stronger password support, longer email signatures, and embedded image support. The new beta software is specifically for a handful of Nokia's E Series business devices, including the E72, E73, E52, E5-00, or C5. The beta is free to download.
Latest Ovi Maps Software Boasts Social Networking Powers
Nokia announced a new beta version of Ovi Maps for Symbian^1 (S60 5th Ed.) and Symbian^3 devices. The refreshed software offers a handful of new features. Nokia has improved the search functionality of Ovi Maps in order to help users locate nearby points of interest. It also offers search suggestions as users type their query. Nokia has added a Foursquare-esque feature that allows Ovi Maps users to check-in to their current location through a variety of social networks, such as Facebook. Users can then choose to share their location with friends via text message or email. One of the biggest improvement in Ovi Maps for S^3 devices is the addition of gesture controls. Users will be able to use pinch-to-zoom as well as pan and swipe for on-screen map navigation. Last, Ovi Maps now offers real-time traffic information as well as travel and safety alerts, speed limit warnings, and gas station locations. Nokia says the beta of Ovi Maps will be available later this month, and is expected to hit general release by the end of 2010.
Swype Launches Beta for Symbian Touch Phones
Swype and Nokia today announced a beta version of Swype text input for Symbian S60 5th Edition phones. The limited beta of Swype works as it does on other touch devices, and allows users to trace out words on their touch screen rather than peck at them. The predictive software analyzes the trace patterns and helps cut down on text entry time. Right now, the devices that can run Swype for Symbian include the Nokia N97, N97 mini, X6, 5800, and 5230. Nokia and Swype hope that beta testers will provide feedback about any bugs or problems they may encounter.
Nokia Lists C6, E5, and C3 on U.S. Site
Nokia has added the C6, E5, and C3 devices to its U.S. web site, stating that the phones will be available soon. The C6 and E5 run S60, and the C3 runs S40. All three will be sold unlocked. Shipping dates have yet to be provided.
Skype Refreshes Symbian App
Skype recently released version 1.1 of the Skype application for the Symbian platform. The main improvement this version of Skype brings to Symbian handsets is a large reduction in the size of the application itself, which All About Symbian reports is down to 10MB. Skype 1.1 for Symbian supports multiple IM conversations, voice calls via VoIP, photo and video messaging, and group chatting. The application is compatible with most S60 3rd and 5th Edition devices, as well as a handful of Sony Ericsson Symbian devices.
Google Upgrades Maps for WinMo and S60 with Voice Search
Google recently introduced Maps for Mobile version 4.1 to the Windows Mobile and S60 platforms. The updated application brings voice search within maps for the first time to both platforms. Users will be able to speak their queries while using Maps for Mobile and Google will translate the speech to text and return relevant results. Google says that users can search for specific addresses, specific businesses, types of businesses and places. The software is a free download.
Nokia Announces New Cseries, Eseries Phones
Nokia today unveiled a trio of new messaging devices, including new phones in the burgeoning Cseries line. All of the new phones, the C3, C6 and E5, sport a full QWERTY keyboard, and the C6 features a touchscreen, as well.
- C6: The Nokia C6 is a touchscreen QWERTY slider running Symbian S60 5th edition. The phone features a high resolution, 3.2 inch screen. Around back, the C6 uses a 5 megapixel camera. The phone gets Nokia Messaging support and the free Ovi Maps navigation service. Nokia says the phone will last for 7 hours of talking time. The Nokia C6 will be available Globally in Q2 2010. Nokia will have two variants of this phone, one of which will support AT&T's 3G network in the 850 band.
- C3: The Nokia C3 is the least expensive of the bunch, coming in at €90 without subsidies. The slab QWERTY phone runs the simpler S40 operating system, and it gets Nokia Messaging support, but not Ovi Maps. The Nokia C3 does feature Wi-Fi, but other features are more low-end. The phone lacks 3G networking capabilities, and sticks with quad-band EDGE for data. The Nokia C3 will also be available in Q2 2010.
- E5: The Nokia E5 succeeds the Nokia E71 and E72 on the business phone lineup. Though the E5 is a bit thicker than its predecessors, it's also a bit lighter. Nokia claims the E5 will get 18.5 hours of talk time. The phone runs Symbian S60 3rd edition, and will come with Ovi Maps on board. Nokia lists the E5 in two distinct 3G flavors, one of which includes support for AT&T's 3G radio bands, though the company has yet to confirm that we'll see this phone stateside. It will be available in Q3 2010.
Nokia Bestows E66 and E71 with Free Ovi Maps
Today Nokia released Ovi Maps as a free software update for the E66 and E71 business class devices. The new version of Ovi Maps offers free walking and driving directions. Owners of the E66 and E71 will need to download the Ovi Maps software to their computer first and use Nokia's desktop software to add it to their devices. Nokia launched free Ovi Maps earlier this year, and it already supports a number of S60-based devices.
Nuance's S60 5th Ed. Software TALKS to the Visually Impaired
Today Nuance Communications introduced TALKS 5.0, new software for S60 5th Edition handsets that will read displayed text to the blind or visually impaired. The software can interact with many of S60 5th Edition's features, including the contact directory, caller ID, text messaging, and the Web browser. The software features an exploration mode that lets users slide their finger across the screen to hear menus, applications, widgets, and text. It also works with software keyboards to permit text entry. The software is licensed to the user's SIM card, allowing them to use many different touch phones without the need to re-purchase or license the software. It is available starting today in 20 different languages.
YouTube Offers WinMo and S60 Mobile App Take 2.4
Today YouTube released a new version of its mobile software for the Windows Mobile and S60 platforms. YouTube mobile 2.4 improves speed performance and also introduces several new features. The new features include search query suggestions, end-user account support, and a new homescreen user interface that is optimized for larger screens. The new software is a free download for WinMo and S60 phones starting today.
Skype Lands in Ovi Store for Symbian Phones
Today Nokia and Skype jointly announced the Skype application for Symbian-based devices and have made it available for download in the Ovi Store. The application will work with many Symbian^1 devices, including S60 3rd Edition and S60 5th Edition phones. Skype for Symbian lets users make free Skype-to-Skype calls; enjoy reduced SMS rates when abroad: send/receive IMs to/from indivisuals or groups; share pictures, videos and other files; receive calls to their existing online number; and see when Skype contacts are online and available to call or IM. The application is a free download, and will work over Wi-Fi as well as GPRS, EDGE, and 3G data connections.
Nokia's C5 Is Its First Cseries Device
Today Nokia unveiled the C5, its first phone bearing the new Cseries naming convention. The C5 is a candybar phone with quad-band GSM/EDGE and dual-band 900/2100 HSPA. It runs S60 3rd Edition and also has GPS and Bluetooth 2.0. The C5 has a 3.2 megapixel camera with flash, a 2.2-inch display, and includes the latest version of Nokia's Messaging service (supporting Google Talk and Windows Live Messenger). Nokia says that the C5 has a new phone book that integrates with Facebook where users can see their friends' status updates directly from Facebook. The home screen also borrows some elements of S60 5th Edition, and places three contacts directly on the home screen for quick access. The C5 supports miroSD cards up to 16GB (boxed with 2GB card), has an FM radio and a 3.5m audio/video out jack. Nokia said the C5 will be avaialble in European and Asian markets during the second quarter for about $182.
Google Maps Updated for Android, S60 and WinMo
Google has made Maps for Mobile version 4 available to the Android, S60 and Windows Mobile platforms. Once installed, Maps 4.0 will enable Google's Buzz social networking service within the layers feature of Google Maps.
Skyfire Launches New Browsers for S60
Today Skyfire announced two new browsers for S60 devices. Skyfire 1.5 for S60 3rd Edition offers smoother scrolling; an updated user interface; and performance tweaks that make the browser perform faster. Skyfire 1.5 for S60 5th Edition (beta) offers a refreshed finger friendly user interface for touchscreens; kinetic scrolling to pan or flick the screen to move in any direction; full-screen browsing with no visible UI elements; and the ability to auto-rotate to allow for landscape and portrait browsing. Both versions can be downloaded from Skyfire for free starting today.
Nokia Intros 5235 Touch-Based Music Phone
Today Nokia announced the 5235 Comes With Music. This monoblock style device has a 3.2-inch resistive touch display with 640 x 360 pixels. It has quad-band GSM/EDGE radios and will come in several 3G variants, including an 850/1900 WCDMA version that is compatible with North American networks. In markets where Comes With Music is available, it will be fully integrated with the Nokia Music Store. It has a 2 megapixel camera with video capture, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support, access to Nokia's Ovi Services and Ovi Store. It has a 3.5mm headset jack and supports microSD cards up to 16GB. The 5235 Comes With Music runs S60 5th Edition, and will be available in the first quarter of 2010 for about $215.
fring Brings Video Calls to S60
fring recently announced a new version of its software for select S60 devices that lets users place video calls to other phones from their mobile device. fring video calls are possible with other fring and Skype users via Wi-Fi or 3G networks. fring already provides free voice calls to fring, Skype, Google Talk and regular phones via Skype-Out. Right now, the video calling feature is only possible on Nokia X6, N97 mini, N97, 5800, N95 8G, N95 and N82 devices. fring's social networking and voice features support Symbian S60, iPhone/iPod touch, Android, Windows Mobile, J2ME and Linux devices.
Opera Announces Mobile 10 Beta for Symbian
Today Opera Software released a beta version of Opera Mobile 10 for the Symbian platform. Opera notes that the biggest new features offered by Opera Mobile 10 are a vastly redesigned user interface for the browser, though it still maintains core features such as speed dial and tabbed browsing. Mobile 10 supports both touch phones and phones with standard keypads. Turbo, Opera's server-side compression service, is built into Opera Mobile 10, and Opera says that users should experience a significant increase in speed and performance. The beta supports S60 3rd Edition and S60 5th Edition and is a free download from Opera.
Google Voice Search Now Supports S60
Today the Official Google Mobile blog revealed a new version of the Google Mobile application for S60-based phones. Among the new features for S60 is support for voice-based search. This means users can speak their search queries instead of typing them. The new application also places a shortcut to Google Search on the home screen of any S60 phone, making it easier to find and initiate searches. Last, the Google Mobile App for S60 also supports Mandarin Chinese. The application is a free download from m.google.com.
Nokia Introduces New X Series Music Phones
Today Nokia introduced a new line of music phones, dubbed the X Series. The first two phones in this series of devices are the X6 and X3. Both phones support Nokia's Comes With Music service other other music-centric features such as stereo Bluetooth and rich media players. Other shared features include quad-band GSM/EDGE radios, GPS, Flash Lite 3.0 support and integration with Nokia's Ovi services. The X6 and X3 will be available in the fourth quarter.
- X6: This monoblock device features a capacitive touch screen and runs S60 5th Edition. It will have tri-band 850/1900/2100 WCDMA 3G radios to support the North American market. Other features include a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens and dual-LED flash, full web browser, video and imaging editor and support for Java and Symbian widgets.
- X3: This slider runs Series 40 and has a built-in FM radio antenna. Other features include microSD card support up to 16GB, 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus, lighted effects and stereo speakers.
Nokia Announces the 6760 Slide Messaging Phone
Today Nokia announced the 6760 Slide, a new phone that is targeted at those who use their phones primarily for messaging and to access social networking services. The 6760 Slide is a world variant of the recently announced Surge, a slider that has a full QWERTY keyboard. The biggest difference between the 6760 Slide and the Surge is that the 6760 Slide steps up the camera to 3.2 megapixels. Nokia says that the device comes with Ovi's messaging services on board, which will support push email and Google Talk and Windows Live Messenger IM services. It has quad-band GSM/EDGE and 900/2100 WCDMA/HSDPA radios, GPS, and a Flash-enabled web browser. The Surge runs S60 3rd Edition. It will be available in the third quarter for about $285.
Symbian Offers PDK of Symbian ^2, Confirms Death of S60
According to the Symbian Foundation Blog, Symbian has recently released the first PDK (Product Development Kit) for Symbian ^2. The PDK includes several tools for developers, including the full version of the Symbian OS and S60 OS, as well as bits of NTT DoCoMo's MOAP OS and Sony Ericsson's UIQ OS. These are the tools that developers and handset makers will need to bring Symbian ^2 devices to market. Further, in the blog post author Anatolie Papas admits that the S60 brand "will soon cease to exist." S60 is the platform that Nokia uses for its E series and N series devices. Nokia, itself, has not said what platform it will use to replace S60. Symbian ^2 is the first major OS release by Symbian in its new configuration, which should be available in handsets late 2009 or early 2010. Symbian will then follow a six-month release cycle, and release Symbian ^3 by the end of 2009, and so on.
Nokia Offers Java Runtime 2.0 for S60
Nokia recently made a new version of Java Runtime available for S60 phones. It includes some usability and performance improvements and a host of other under-the-hood changes. Nokia says it will be easier to install applications, and applications will boot easier. Nokia also said that from now on Java updates will come separately from core system software updates. Java upgrades can be accessed via the built-in Nokia S60 Software Update feature. Right now, Java Runtime 2.0 is available only for S60 5th Edition (the 5800 XpressMusic and N97). Nokia didn't say when it would become available to S60 3rd Edition phones.
Nokia Officially Announces the E72, 5530 and 3710
Today Nokia introduced three new phones that range from business to multimedia to basic use. All three have quad-band GSM/EDGE radios and Bluetooth.
- E72: This bar-style phone runs S60 3rd Edition FP2 and has a full QWERTY keyboard. This spiritual successor to the E71 has several upgrades, including a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, 3.5mm headset jack, and a new "optical navi key" built into the D-pad for navigating and scrolling through the phone's menus. Other features include GPS, Wi-Fi, A2DP, microSD support, and built-in instant messaging and a more robust email client. It will come in a tri-band HSDPA 850/1900/2100 variant for North American markets. It is expected to hit the street by the end of the third quarter for $489.
- 5530 XpressMusic: This touch-based device is a follow up to the 5800. It runs S60 5th Edition and has a 2.9-inch screen, 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, proximity sensor, accelerometer, and support for 16GB microSD cards. It has A2DP and Wi-Fi, but is limited to EDGE data. It should be available during the third quarter.
- 3710 Fold: This basic flip phone will come in a tri-band HSDPA 850/1900/2100 variant that includes 3.2 megapixel camera with flash, GPS, and media player. It runs Series 40 and will be available in the fourth quarter.
Nokia Updates Ovi Maps 3.0 Beta
Nokia recently began offering an updated version of its Ovi Maps 3.0 Beta product for free via the Nokia Beta Labs web site. This new version has several new features as well as performance improvements. The biggest new feature is support for S60 5th Edition touch-based devices (N97, 5800 XpressMusic). Others include new weather information and an updated list of points of interest. Performance has been improved with updated maps, better pan and zoom functionality, better traffic information and the location of automatic camera-based speed traps. Ovi Maps 3.0 Beta also supports S60 3rd Edition FP1 and FP2.
Google Intros Mobile App for S60
Today Google made a new application available specifically for S60 devices. The new application places Google search, Google Maps, Gmail, and other Google mobile services right onto the desktop of S60 phones (or available via a hotkey). It comes with MyLocation services built in, which means (when enabled), the application can provide locally relevant results for search queries. The search tool also remembers user search history, and offers suggestions as users type. The application is a free download.
S60 Touch Gets Customized Version of Facebook
Today Facebook for Nokia S60 Touch (5th Edition) became available in the Ovi Store. The free download will allow users of devices such as the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic and the N97 to access and interact with their Facebook account.
S60 5th Ed. Gets Updated Flash Lite, Messaging Client
Nokia and Adobe are now offering Flash Lite 3.1 for S60 5th Edition. The 700Kb download is available via the App Update tool. Once installed, Flash performance is improved. Also, the Nokia Messaging Client has moved from beta status to a full release for S60 5th Edition. Changes for the new release include bug fixes and more language support. Nokia also said that it is working to bring homescreen integration and support for HTML email to the next version of Nokia Messaging.
Nokia Announces the 6730 Classic
Today Nokia announced the 6730 Classic, a new bar-style phone that runs S60 and includes quad-band GSM/EDGE and 900/2100 HSDPA radios. Other features include GPS/aGPS, a 3.2 megapixel camera with video capture, Bluetooth 2.0, FM radio and support for 8GB microSD storage cards. The phone will be available by the end of June.
Skyfire Hits Version 1.0 for Windows Mobile and S60
Today Skyfire announced that its beta mobile browser has reached a 1.0 release for both Windows Mobile touch/non-touch and S60 devices. Skyfire supports web standards and plug-ins such as Flash 10, Silverlight 2, Ajax, and Javascript. This allows end users to watch video content on web sites such as Hulu and YouTube as they browse from their mobile phones. The 1.0 release brings with it improved navigation, zooming and interaction, as well as faster launch, a new search function and better power optimization. One new feature includes the ability to type in search queries or URLs while the application itself is first launching. The 1.0 release is available for WinMo and S60 devices starting today. Skyfire also announced a closed alpha for BlackBerry devices. It hopes to launch a beta program for BlackBerries in the new future.
Google Offers Beta of Sync Product to S60
Today Google announced a new beta version of Google Sync for the S60 mobile platform. Google Sync allows users to wirelessly sync contacts and calendar information between their mobile device and their desktop Google account. It provides push-based, real-time, two-way syncing, so changes made on the device are reflected online, and vice versa, within a matter of minutes. The beta software is a free download and requires additional software from Nokia to be installed, as well.
FCC Reveals Nokia 6750 for AT&T
Documents became public today on the FCC web site that detail an unannounced Nokia phone for AT&T. The Nokia 6750 "Mural" is a clamshell phone with dedicated music keys and an outer display hidden behind a mirrored shell. Documents confirm 3G in the 850/1900 bands that AT&T uses. Also confirmed are a memory card slot, Bluetooth, and a camera. The early draft user manual refers to Video Share and Media Net - both AT&T service brands - and the keypad has a dedicated "CV" button for AT&T's Cellular Video service. It is not clear if the 6750 will have the S60 smartphone OS like the 6650 fold.
Nokia Expands Photo Browser Availability to S60 3rd Ed.
Nokia's Beta Labs has made a new version of the recently announced Photo Browser available to S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 and Feature Pack 2 handsets. Previously, it was only available for S60 5th Edition. The Photo Browser gives S60 users another way to interact with images on their handsets, and has a feature called Face Tracking that lets users browse the faces of people captured in photos. Noka Beta Labs has also updated its Share Online application for S60 3rd Ed FP1 and FP2, making it easier to share photos with contacts. Both are free downloads available from the Beta Labs site.
Google Offers YouTube Application for S60 Handsets
Google has created a YouTube application for S60 3rd Edition and Windows Mobile handsets that allows users to search for videos, as well as quickly find most viewed, recently added and the top rated videos. Once users pick a video, the application will play it in the full screen. The application doesn't allow users to upload videos. YouTube for S60 and WinMo handsets is available for free, and a link is available to the file from the mobile YouTube home page. It is available in the U.S., the U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Nokia Announces Handful of Handsets
Nokia unveiled four new handsets at an event in London that are compatible with some of the services announced today. Two phones are N Series multimedia computers running S60 3rd Edition and two are Series 40 3rd Edition-based additions to the Xpress Music lineup. They all ship in the fourth quarter.
- N81: This new slider is a quad-band GSM/EDGE and WCDMA 2100 MHz 3G phone that comes in two variants. One model has 8GB of storage built in, and the other has a microSD slot for additional storage. It is the first handset that will be compatible with the new Nokia Music Store and N-Gage services and has a new 3-D menu system. It has stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headset jack, as well as stereo Bluetooth and an FM radio. It has a 2.4-inch QVGA screen, 2 Megapixel camera, and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. The 8GB model will cost 430 Euros and the standard edition will cost 360 Euros.
- N95 8GB / N95 U.S.: This update to the N95 includes 8GB of internal storage, as well as a new 2.8-inch QVGA screen. Most of the other specifications are unchanged from the original. It will cost 560 Euros. Nokia also officially announced the N95 for the U.S. market. The U.S. variant will include quad-band GSM/EDGE as well as dual-band 850/1900 WCDMA radios compatible with U.S. 3G networks. It comes with a microSD slot for additional storage. It has the original 2.6-inch screen. It will cost $699.
- 5610 XpressMusic: This slider phone is a step up from the similar 5300 XpressMusic. It has quad-band GSM/EDGE and dual-band 850/2100 WCMDA 3G radios. It features a music slider key that will automatically launch the music player from a blank screen. It has a 2.2-inch QVGA screen that is scratch proof. It offers 22 hours of music playback, support for 4GB microSD cards for storage and a 3.2 megapixel camera with LED flash. It also has an FM radio and secondary camera for video calling, but a 2.5mm headset jack. It will cost 300 Euros.
- 5310 XpressMusic: This candybar has tri-band GSM/EDGE radios and dedicated external music controls. It has a 3.5mm headset jack as well as stereo Bluetooth. It has a 2-inch QVGA screen and a 2 Megapixel camera. It supports up to 4 GB of miscroSD storage and will cost 225 Euros.
