Symbian integrates latest 3G technologies in Symbian OS v7.0 to drive 2.5G and 3G mobile phones and services

Symbian OS v7.0 has been designed to make it easier to bring phones to market with the features that the mobile industry wants

3GSM, Cannes - 19 February, 2002 - Symbian today unveiled the latest version of its advanced, open operating system for mobile phones. Symbian OS v7.0 builds on the previous version, v6.1, by integrating the latest communications, messaging, networking and application development technologies that will enable mobile phone manufacturers to more easily bring to market 2.5G and 3G phones with the features that the mobile industry wants. Licensees have already received Symbian OS v.7.0 to enable mobile phone development, and it will be finalised and shipped during Q1, 2002.

Key new features of Symbian OS v7.0 include:

• Mobile Telephony - building on 2.5G GSM / GPRS support in previous versions, Symbian OS v7.0 includes support for multimode and 3G mobile phones, enabling manufacturers to bring out Symbian OS phones worldwide, across all networks, with the ability to reuse their application side software.
• Mobile Messaging - building on comprehensive integrated messaging environment, Symbian OS v7.0 includes EMS and MMS, providing key revenue generating services for network operators.
• Mobile Networking - building on existing networking capabilities, Symbian OS v7.0 includes both IPv6 and also IPSEC technologies, extending the abilities of mobile phones to communicate securely with each other on a peer to peer basis.
• Mobile Application and Services Development - building on Symbian's lead in support for open Java development, Symbian OS v7.0 incorporates MIDP Java, extending mobile phone capabilities to run the millions of Java applications and services designed specifically for mobile phones, and SyncML, allowing convenient over the air synchronisation of data.

 

"As we enter 2002, we're finally seeing the building blocks in place to help drive the rapid adoption of Symbian OS phones," said Mark Edwards, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Symbian. "The industry is now rapidly aligning on open mobile standards, 2.5G data networks are being rolled out, and developers are writing attractive mobile applications and services. Symbian OS v7.0 is a major release and will accelerate the take up of mobile data by incorporating the technologies our customers want and shortening the time to market for new mobile devices."

Symbian has chosen to incorporate these technologies and other key enhancements as a result of its continuous engagement with the world's leading mobile phone manufacturers. With these additional features it will be easier for mobile phone manufacturers to bring to market a range of mobile phones which support standard next generation services and applications such as multimedia messaging, gaming, entertainment, and imaging capabilities.

"As we have entered the world of multimedia messaging and mobile colour imaging, it is increasingly important with an open platform which enables products to interact and connect freely", said Anil Raj, corporate executive vice president of Sony Ericsson. "Symbian v7.0 OS will be instrumental for Sony Ericsson when launching our competitive mobile multimedia products", said Mr Raj.

Symbian's focus on providing a standard set of service enablers will also benefit network operators. With Symbian OS phones being developed for 2.5G as well as 3G networks worldwide, a wide range of simple, attractive, revenue-generating applications and services can be deployed through all networks.

The enhanced multimedia capabilities, MIDP Java, security features and networking capabilities of Symbian OS v7.0 will also further extend opportunities for third party developers to develop compelling applications and services optimised for next generation mobile phones. Symbian OS v7.0 now has four main programming and content development options: C++, MIDP Java and JavaPhone, WAP, and web.

Other features of Symbian OS v.7.0 for mobile phones includes support for flexible user interfaces, such as Nokia's Series 60; support for several audio/image formats and a number of low level APIs for games developers; full-strength encryption and certificate management, secure communications protocols (including HTTPS, WTLS and SSL), certificate-based application installation; and Over-the-air (OTA) SyncML synchronization support.

David Levin, CEO of Psion PLC., said: "Psion is delighted to welcome the launch of version 7.0 of the Symbian operating system. The Symbian OS provides device manufacturers and application developers like Psion with an industry standard OS for next generation mobile phones and data devices."

The shipment of the finalised release of Symbian OS v7.0 will enable mobile phone manufacturers to develop mobile phones that will be ready to launch later this year. However the timing and announcement of actual devices is up to individual licensees.

About Symbian

Symbian is a software licensing company, owned by wireless industry leaders, that is the trusted supplier of the advanced, open, standard operating system for data-enabled mobile phones. Symbian's mission is to create a mass-market for Symbian OS mobile phones by enabling our licensees to build winning products. 

Symbian's stand at 3GSM is in Hall 2, E28, Palais des Congres, Cannes, France

The latest Symbian OS technology, phones, services and applications will also be demonstrated at Symbian's forthcoming Developer Expo to be held in London on 23/24 April 2002. More information about this annual event which features keynotes, conferences, workshops and exhibitions can be found at the  Symbian

 

Media Enquiries

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