Nokia announced their PureView 808 smartphone back in February of last year. The handset came with Symbian Belle, and it was thought to be the last Symbian smartphone from Nokia.
Nokia has now officially confirmed that the PureView 808 was indeed their last Symbian handset. You can see the statement from Nokia below.
“The Nokia 808 PureView, a device which showcases our imaging capabilities and which came to market in mid-2012, was the last Symbian device from Nokia.”
The Legacy of Symbian OS
Symbian OS was once the dominant mobile operating system, particularly in the early 2000s. It was known for its robustness and was widely adopted by various manufacturers, including Nokia, which became synonymous with the platform. Symbian’s multitasking capabilities and efficient use of hardware resources made it a favorite among early smartphone users. However, as the mobile landscape evolved with the introduction of iOS and Android, Symbian began to lose its competitive edge.
Despite its decline, Symbian OS had a significant impact on the mobile industry. It introduced many features that are now standard in modern smartphones, such as app stores, touch interfaces, and advanced connectivity options. The platform also fostered a large developer community, which contributed to its rich ecosystem of applications and services.
The Transition to Windows Phone
Even though the PureView 808 is their last Symbian handset, Nokia managed to sell a total of 2.2 million Symbian devices in their last financial quarter, which is about half the amount of Windows Phone handsets they sold. This transition marked a significant shift in Nokia’s strategy as they partnered with Microsoft to adopt the Windows Phone operating system.
The move to Windows Phone was seen as a bold step to regain market share and compete with the growing dominance of Android and iOS. Windows Phone offered a unique user interface with its Live Tiles and integrated services, aiming to provide a seamless experience across mobile and desktop platforms. Nokia’s Lumia series, powered by Windows Phone, introduced several innovative features, such as PureView camera technology and wireless charging, which helped differentiate their devices in a crowded market.
However, the transition was not without challenges. The Windows Phone platform struggled to gain significant traction among consumers and developers, leading to limited app availability and slower adoption rates. Despite these hurdles, Nokia’s commitment to innovation and quality helped maintain a loyal customer base.
The Impact of PureView Technology
The Nokia 808 PureView was particularly notable for its groundbreaking camera technology. It featured a 41-megapixel sensor, which was unprecedented at the time and set new standards for mobile photography. The PureView technology allowed for high-resolution images with exceptional detail and clarity, even in low-light conditions. This innovation demonstrated Nokia’s expertise in imaging and solidified their reputation as a leader in mobile camera technology.
The legacy of PureView technology continued to influence Nokia’s future devices, including the Lumia series and later models under the HMD Global brand. The emphasis on superior camera performance became a hallmark of Nokia smartphones, appealing to photography enthusiasts and casual users alike.
The Nokia 808 PureView marked the end of an era for Symbian OS while showcasing Nokia’s commitment to innovation and excellence in mobile imaging. The transition to Windows Phone represented a strategic shift aimed at revitalizing Nokia’s position in the competitive smartphone market. Despite the challenges faced, Nokia’s legacy in mobile technology continues to inspire and influence the industry.
Source Engadget
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
