Today sees the introduction of the 5th Edition of the Symbian operating system. The software that powers smartphones has been extended to include a touch facility, with full support for tactile feedback. Support for higher display resolution has also been added (although
there’s no mention of what that resolution is), as well as a new
Widescreen mode to "further compliment the touch UI and enables
engaging visual experiences".
Internet browsing has also been enhanced in the operating system.
"S60 software continues to lead in the support for and use of internet technologies, and includes the Web Browser for S60, which supports desktop-quality browsing with Adobe Flash Lite 3," an official statement from Nokia said.
"With the touch enabled products and S60 5th Edition, internet browsing is made more convenient by enabling scrolling Web pages and interacting directly with Web content by touching with a finger or the use of keys or stylus."
Touch-optimised toolbars will also offer easy access to browser and internet application options.
Also, for the first time, the platform includes a framework for the use of advanced sensor technology, which will allow manufacturers to create "innovative new device concepts".
The first S60 5th Edition based device, designed for music lovers, was announced today – the much-rumoured Nokia 5800 XpressMusic touchscreen phone.
