S60 5th Edition Begins With SDK, Nokia 5800 XpressMusic

Nokia today launched S60 5th Edition with an SDK and the first device based on the new platform, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic.

S60 5th Edition offers developers new opportunities for their applications. For Web innovation, the new platform increases the capabilities of applications for Web Runtime (WRT) and Flash Lite applications by providing access to local device information and functionality, such as device location and landmarks, phonebook and calendar entries, and message folders. S60 5th Edition also improves the user experience with new features that include a responsive and intuitive touch UI, advanced sensor framework, and broader media support.

To support the new platform, Nokia today announced the availability of the initial release of the S60 5th Edition SDK for Symbian OS. In addition, Symbian C++ developers can quickly convert or bring new applications to market using the latest version of Carbide.c++ Codescanner. This new version of the tool, available through an Eclipse update for Carbide.C++ 1.3, provides developers with the S60 5th Edition migration rules. These rules help developers identify code changes that ensure their applications can take full advantage of S60 5th Edition's new UI features.

With the introduction of the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, the S60 platform continues to enrich the smartphone portfolio from feature phones to high-end multimedia and enterprise-focused devices. Worldwide shipments of the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic are set to begin in the fourth quarter. The new device introduces two innovations: Media Bar, a drop-down menu for direct access to music, videos, and photos; and Contacts Bar, which lets consumers highlight four favourite contacts on the home screen and, with a single touch, track their digital histories of recent messages, e-mails, and more. The new device also supports Flash content and features up to 8 gigabytes of user memory, a 3.2-megapixel camera, graphics equaliser, and built-in stereo speakers. Worldwide shipments of the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic are set to begin in the fourth quarter, and the device will retail for 279 euros. Early next year a new version of the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic will include Comes With Music, the Nokia service that offers one year of unlimited access to the entire Nokia Music Store catalogue.