Nokia is taking over the development of the Symbian OS from the Symbian Foundation, marking a significant shift in the management and future direction of the platform. The Symbian Foundation will be moving to a new role and will be responsible for licensing Symbian.
The Symbian Foundation will keep control of the products portfolio of patents, as well as research and development, and will control licenses for the platform. This means that while Nokia will handle the day-to-day development and enhancement of the Symbian OS, the Symbian Foundation will still play a crucial role in the ecosystem by managing intellectual property and ensuring that the platform remains open and accessible to other manufacturers and developers.
The Role of Nokia in Symbian’s Future
Nokia will now be responsible for the development of the software platform, and Nokia has said that they are strongly committed to the platform. This commitment is crucial as it signals Nokia’s intention to continue investing in Symbian, ensuring that it remains a competitive and viable option in the mobile operating system market. The announcement comes after a recent board meeting of the Symbian Foundation, where the decision was finalized.
Nokia’s takeover of Symbian development is expected to bring several benefits. Firstly, it will streamline the development process, allowing for more efficient updates and improvements to the OS. Nokia’s extensive experience and resources in mobile technology will likely lead to enhanced features, better performance, and a more user-friendly experience for Symbian users.
Implications for the Mobile Industry
The shift in Symbian’s development management also has broader implications for the mobile industry. Symbian has been a significant player in the mobile OS market, particularly in the early 2000s, and this move could potentially rejuvenate the platform. With Nokia at the helm, there is potential for new partnerships and collaborations that could further enhance Symbian’s capabilities and market reach.
Moreover, the Symbian Foundation’s continued role in licensing and R&D ensures that the platform remains open to innovation from other companies. This could lead to a more diverse range of devices and applications running on Symbian, benefiting consumers with more choices and better technology.
For example, other mobile manufacturers who have previously used Symbian may find renewed interest in the platform, knowing that Nokia’s development efforts will keep it competitive. Additionally, developers might be more inclined to create apps for Symbian, given the assurance of ongoing support and improvements.
In conclusion, Nokia’s takeover of Symbian development marks a new chapter for the platform. With Nokia’s commitment and resources, Symbian has the potential to regain its prominence in the mobile OS market. The Symbian Foundation’s role in managing patents and licensing ensures that the platform remains open and innovative. This strategic move could lead to a more vibrant and competitive mobile ecosystem, benefiting both consumers and the industry as a whole.
via 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.