Nokia's first Symbian^3 device touts faster, more responsive UI

Nokia announced the pending release of its N8 smartphone, the first device powered by the open-source Symbian^3 platform. According to Nokia, the N8--due to hit retail in Q3--emphasizes digital content and social networking: Features include tools to create and edit HD-quality video, access to news and entertainment programming from partners like CNN, E! Entertainment, Paramount and National Geographic, and homescreen integration with Facebook and Twitter. The N8 also arrives preloaded with free global Ovi Maps walk and drive navigation. The Symbian Foundation promises that the N8 takes full advantage of the S^3 platform, complete with multiple, personalized home screens, usability enhancements like single tap and multi-touch gesture support, a faster and more responsive user interface and upgraded memory management, supporting improved multi-tasking.

Nokia said last week it would delay the release of Symbian^3 to the third quarter, citing quality control concerns. "We will not ship the product before the quality meets the end user's needs and demands," Nokia CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo said, adding the handset maker will introduce several devices running the revamped OS by the end of 2010. "This is pretty significant as Nokia and Symbian have lost a lot of market share in the last few years," Strategy Analytics analyst Neil Mawston told Reuters. "Psychologically it is a blow as well as iPhone, BlackBerry and Android are surging ahead with software updates. Symbian cannot afford any delays."

For more on the Nokia N8:
- read this release

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