Though having played coy when asked about the inevitable planned phase-out of Symbian until now, Nokia’s CEO has finally come out with an answer as to the expected year of the veteran mobile OS’s demise. 2016 is when Nokia will stop releasing Symbian updates, suggesting Symbian phone releases should keep going strong for at least three more years. We confess to a certain amount of surprise at the amount of time Nokia is still committing to Symbian.
And while Nokia CEO Stephen Elop did not state it outright, it’s safe to assume this all depends on Symbian smartphone sales, as although it’s probably the best way to play defense while the raft of expected Windows Phone 7 devices puts in an appearance, consumers probably be less than thrilled to purchase a handset whose OS has a visible expiration date on it.
The Legacy of Symbian
Symbian has been a cornerstone of Nokia’s mobile strategy for many years. Launched in the late 1990s, Symbian quickly became the dominant operating system for smartphones, especially in Europe and Asia. It was known for its robustness and versatility, supporting a wide range of applications and hardware configurations. However, the rise of iOS and Android in the late 2000s began to erode Symbian’s market share. Despite this, Nokia continued to invest in the platform, releasing updates and new devices to keep it competitive.
One of the key strengths of Symbian was its ability to run on lower-end hardware, making it accessible to a broader audience. This was particularly important in emerging markets, where cost was a significant factor in smartphone adoption. Symbian’s efficient use of resources allowed Nokia to produce affordable yet capable devices, which helped the company maintain a strong presence in these regions.
The Transition to Windows Phone
The announcement of Symbian’s phase-out coincides with Nokia’s strategic shift towards Windows Phone as its primary smartphone platform. This transition began in 2011 when Nokia entered into a partnership with Microsoft. The goal was to leverage Microsoft’s software expertise and Nokia’s hardware capabilities to create a new line of smartphones that could compete with the likes of Apple and Samsung.
Windows Phone brought a fresh and modern user interface, known as Metro, which was a significant departure from the traditional Symbian experience. It featured live tiles, deep integration with Microsoft services, and a growing ecosystem of apps. Despite these advantages, the transition was not without its challenges. Many long-time Nokia users were hesitant to switch to a new platform, and the initial batch of Windows Phone devices faced stiff competition from established players.
However, Nokia remained committed to making the transition as smooth as possible. The company continued to support Symbian with updates and new devices, even as it ramped up its efforts with Windows Phone. This dual-strategy allowed Nokia to cater to its existing user base while also attracting new customers to its Windows Phone lineup.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the end of Symbian’s lifecycle, it’s worth reflecting on its impact on the mobile industry. Symbian played a crucial role in the early days of smartphones, helping to shape the market and set the stage for the innovations that followed. Its phase-out marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for new opportunities.
For Nokia, the focus is now squarely on Windows Phone and its successor, Windows 10 Mobile. The company has already made significant strides in this area, with a range of well-received devices and a growing ecosystem of apps and services. The lessons learned from the Symbian era will undoubtedly inform Nokia’s future strategies, helping the company navigate the ever-evolving mobile landscape.
In conclusion, while the announcement of Symbian’s phase-out may come as a surprise to some, it is a necessary step in Nokia’s ongoing evolution. By committing to a clear timeline, Nokia is providing its users with the information they need to make informed decisions about their next smartphone purchase. And as the company continues to innovate and adapt, it remains well-positioned to thrive in the competitive world of mobile technology.
Source: IntoMobile
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