Nokia vows usability enhancements with new Symbian update

Nokia (NYSE:NOK) introduced its latest Symbian operating system update in conjunction with the new Nokia E6 and Nokia X7 smartphones. 

Nicknamed "Symbian Anna," the revamp includes new icons and usability enhancements (including split-screen view while typing) as well as a faster, easier-to-use browser, virtual portrait Qwerty for more efficient typing and refreshed Ovi Maps integrating new public transportation routes.

Nokia adds it will soon make the Symbian Anna update available to existing users of the Nokia N8, Nokia C7, Nokia C6 and Nokia E7 via over-the-air downloads. 

Although Nokia is embracing Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system as its primary smartphone platform moving forward, the handset maker says it plans to ship 150 million new Symbian-based devices and will continue serving its existing installed base of 200 million Symbian handsets. Nokia reports that its current customer base is now responsible for more than 5 million Ovi Store downloads each day, adding the storefront has grown by nearly eight times over during the last year to over 40,000 apps. Users of the latest Symbian devices--the Nokia N8, Nokia C6-01, Nokia C7 and Nokia E7--account for about 15 percent of each day's downloads.

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