New OS speeds Symbian

Symbian has introduced Symbian OS version 9, the latest release of its operating system for smartphones. Key enhancements include a finer-grained security model, support for different screen sizes, and better support for management tools. Handsets based on the new code are expected from licensees in the second half of this year, the company said.

Symbian said that OS v9 targets more mass-market phones by enabling single-chip handset designs, and that support for newer ARM processors will also lead to faster, more responsive phones.

"By 2007 or 2008, a basic handset build cost might be $70 - $90, so if you can remove one chip that costs $20 from that, you get a big saving," said Peter Bancroft, vice president of communications for Symbian. He added that the company was committed to helping phone makers target handsets for a range of market niches. Symbian licensees include Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Siemens and Motorola.

Among the key features for enterprise customers is an improved security model to enable carriers to deploy mobile commerce applications. It will also protect information on handsets by ensuring that applications can only access data and phone functions with permission, Symbian said.

The Device Management Framework of Symbian OS v9 has also been updated to support tools that meet the Device Management specifications from the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), an industry forum that oversees mobile standards. "This enables network operators or enterprises to plug-in whatever tools they want to provision handsets and diagnose problems remotely," Bancroft said.

Other enhancements include support for different screen sizes, better support for IMAP email systems, and the ability for phone users to accept meeting invitations from standard PIM applications such as Outlook, Symbian said.

See also:

Sendo phone takes on MP3 players

X2 Music Phone features handset and Bluetooth headset combo  14 Feb 2005

Smartphone designers gain interface flexibility

New interface for Symbian smartphones  10 Feb 2005

Mobiles under threat from 'airborne viruses'

For once Microsoft is not the target  26 Jan 2005

Worm turns on Symbian mobile phones

Infection spreads via Bluetooth, but does not have malicious payload  11 Jan 2005

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