Symbian Foundation Moves To License Company, Hands Development To Nokia
Here's a little confirmation to what's really going on between Symbian
and Nokia. For years now, Nokia has largely been the only phone maker to
even use the Symbian phone operating system platform. Sony Ericsson had
a few phones use Symbian years back, but lately, it's been Nokia
keeping them afloat. As fewer and fewer phone companies decided to use
Symbian on their phones, people began to wonder what would become of the
organization. If no phone companies use the OS...
Now, Nokia has come forward (as well as Symbian) and clarified a few things. Things will definitely be changing going forward, but given the current scenario, it's probably for the best. Basically, the Symbian Foundation is stepping aside and stepping away from development of the platform, leaving that to Nokia's own software engineers. Instead, the Foundation will now be responsible for licensing, and it will transition into a non-profit organization. he foundation will become a legal entity responsible for licensing software and other intellectual property, such as the Symbian trademark. Nokia has committed to make the future development of the Symbian platform available to the ecosystem via an alternative direct and open model.
So, now Nokia will have an even bigger say in the look, feel and responsiveness of Symbian. Given that Nokia is about the only phone maker still interested in Symbian, this is probably best for the OS, Nokia and users of both. But will Nokia's takeover encourage other phone makers to give Symbian a shot? It's hard to say, but if Symbian cannot evolve to truly compete with Android and iOS soon, it may be Nokia turning their back as well.
Now, Nokia has come forward (as well as Symbian) and clarified a few things. Things will definitely be changing going forward, but given the current scenario, it's probably for the best. Basically, the Symbian Foundation is stepping aside and stepping away from development of the platform, leaving that to Nokia's own software engineers. Instead, the Foundation will now be responsible for licensing, and it will transition into a non-profit organization. he foundation will become a legal entity responsible for licensing software and other intellectual property, such as the Symbian trademark. Nokia has committed to make the future development of the Symbian platform available to the ecosystem via an alternative direct and open model.
So, now Nokia will have an even bigger say in the look, feel and responsiveness of Symbian. Given that Nokia is about the only phone maker still interested in Symbian, this is probably best for the OS, Nokia and users of both. But will Nokia's takeover encourage other phone makers to give Symbian a shot? It's hard to say, but if Symbian cannot evolve to truly compete with Android and iOS soon, it may be Nokia turning their back as well.
Nokia reaffirms commitment to Symbian platform
ESPOO, FINLAND--(Marketwire - November 8, 2010) -
As Symbian Foundation announces changes, a new era of Symbian development and innovation begins
Espoo, Finland - Following an announcement by the board of the Symbian Foundation that it will be transitioning from its current operational activities to become a licensing operation only, Nokia today reaffirmed its commitment to the Symbian platform. Nokia plans to continue to invest its own resources in developing Symbian, the world's most widely used smartphone platform, and expects to deliver a strong portfolio of Symbian-based smartphones to people around the world.
"The future of Symbian as a platform does not depend on the existence of the foundation," said Jo Harlow, Senior Vice President, Smartphones, Nokia. "The changes announced by the foundation have no impact on Nokia's Symbian device roadmaps or shipping commitments. The platform powers hundreds of millions of smartphones - including our own - and we expect to deliver ongoing support and innovation benefitting the Symbian ecosystem in the future."
Nokia's recent decision to focus on Qt as its sole application development framework is expected to bring greater efficiency and speed of evolution to the Symbian platform. This approach is aimed at ensuring compatibility for apps with future Symbian platform versions, and enables more frequent updates and upgrades for Nokia smartphones. To take advantage of this ever-growing opportunity, developers can find the tools and support they need through Forum Nokia, and global distribution to Nokia's broad base of smartphones through Ovi Store.
Nokia is the volume market leader in smartphones and the company's commitment to the Symbian platform is unchanged. Nokia smartphones based on the new Symbian platform include the Nokia N8, Nokia C7 and the new Nokia C6-01 which are available now, as well as the upcoming Nokia E7 which is expected to ship before the end of 2010. Nokia expects to sell more than 50 million Symbian^3-based devices.
Nokia at Symbian Exchange and Exposition 2010 Nokia will exhibit and demonstrate its portfolio of Symbian-based smartphones at the annual Symbian Exchange and Exposition (SEE) 2010 event in Amsterdam, Netherlands November 9-10. Nokia's Jo Harlow will deliver a keynote address on Tuesday, November 9 at approximately 10:15am CET. For more information on the event, which is hosted for the Symbian community and free to attend, visit http://www.see2010.org/.
About Nokia At Nokia, we are committed to connecting people. We combine advanced technology with personalized services that enable people to stay close to what matters to them. Every day, more than 1.3 billion people connect to one another with a Nokia device - from mobile phones to advanced smartphones and high- performance mobile computers. Today, Nokia is integrating its devices with innovative services through Ovi (www.ovi.com), including music, maps, apps, email and more. Nokia's NAVTEQ is a leader in comprehensive digital mapping and navigation services, while Nokia Siemens Networks provides equipment, services and solutions for communications networks globally.
