Nokia pushing on with Symbian. New face expected in 2010.

When compared to the likes of Android, the iPhone OS, in some instances BlackBerry and yes, even Windows Mobile, Symbian comes off looking pretty dated. Even though I dog it from time to time, it really isn’t that bad of an OS. It’s just suffering from a sickening lack of innovation and attention that Android, iPhone, and BlackBerry platforms have been thoroughly enjoying as of late. With constant back and forth rumors of the demise of Nokia and Symbians relationship, many were assuming that the death march would surely start playing. Nokia however has more plans for it’s long time friend and has announced that come 2010, a greatly updated Symbian interface will go live backing up the robust underpinnings of the mobile operating system.

This updated look will supposedly better cater to the touch revolution that has become the latest mobile phone feature as well as continuing innovation with traditional qwerty designs. While true that higher end Nokia phones will start phasing over to Maeomo — with the first Maemo 6 device to launch next year — Nokia isn’t giving up or neglecting the bottom end of the market. A sect of the market that for years has sustained Nokia’s overpowering market share mind you.

At the end of the day after all the dust has settled, we will end up seeing two children of Nokia — Symbian and Maemo. With Symbian being relegated to lower and mid-range devices, the high end is opened up for Maemo to trully shine. Of course, some Symbian faithful are no doubt distraught at Nokia’s direction. But you have to love, learn, and move on. Hopefully Nokia can get over their love for packing phones chock full of features and then failing to finish the job on any one feature. You know, a “jack of all trades, master of none” type of deal. Can Nokia do it? I sure hope so. The mobile sphere is heating up and another contender is more than welcome. Nokia, what do you say?

Asian News