Nokia and Vodafone announce key milestones in S60 software collaboration

Written by Adam Gosling

Wednesday, 14 February 2007

The first customised S60 software package for Vodafone released to handset vendors PRESS RELEASE From 3GSM World Congress 2007, February 13, 2007 Barcelona, Spain - Nokia and Vodafone today announced a significant milestone in their collaboration on the development of S60 software on Symbian OS(TM), with the release of the first Vodafone specific software package to all S60 licensees. The S60 platform and the Vodafone specific software offer an integrated reference implementation that enables Vodafone to roll out innovative new services to customers across a range of different handsets without having to develop a range of different software designs. Samsung and Nokia are expected to be the first handset vendors to ship devices incorporating this software in 2007.  "Vodafone's customers will benefit as we are able to get our services out faster and more cost-effectively on a wide range of devices from several handset brands. Handset vendors will benefit from saving development costs while maintaining the ability to differentiate on additional functionality and industrial design," said Jens Schulte-Bockum, Vodafone's Global Director of Terminals.   "We are thrilled to work with Vodafone and Nokia in introducing leading-edge smartphones to European customers. I'm very proud to introduce SGH-i520, which will be our first model built on S60 with all of the latest multimedia features and high speed data connectivity (HSDPA). It is very exciting to lead the trend towards open mobile software platforms with these leading brands. Starting with i520, we will introduce further enhanced lineup based on S60 with Samsung's differentiated multimedia features," said Chul-hwan Lee, Senior Vice President of Mobile R&D Team, Samsung Electronics. Samsung's SGH-i520 will be available to Vodafone customers during the first quarter of this year.  "S60 software plays a key role in delivering our vision on connected multimedia experiences. Nokia N95 multimedia computer is a quantum leap in this development. Nokia N95 based on S60 software allows consumers to enrich their mobile experiences with a multitude of add-on services and applications. The collaboration between S60 and Vodafone ensures that Vodafone services will work seamlessly on this iconic product without any penalty on time to market," said Juha Putkiranta, Senior Vice President, Multimedia Computer, Nokia. "S60 accelerates innovation creating a great mobile experience. Open platforms offer the broadest device portfolio, customization and service portfolio to operators. Vodafone is leading the way and tapping into the world's largest mobile developer community with S60," said Tero Ojanperä, Chief Technology Officer, Nokia. The collaboration between Vodafone, S60 and selected handset vendors also covers joint marketing activities aimed at Vodafone's customers.   According to Canalys research (January, 2007), S60 is the clear leader in converged device software with 54% market share globally in Q4 2006.   About S60 S60 built on Symbian OS is the world's leading smartphone software, and is licensed by some of the industry's foremost mobile device manufacturers. The flexibility of the S60 software allows for various hardware designs and software configurations, as evidenced by the multitude of S60 devices already available on the market. Through its award-winning user interface, extensive support for new mobile services and the innovation potential for partner solutions, S60 provides an open and scalable business opportunity for mobile operators and 3rd party developers. For further information and news about S60 and the S60 community, please visit www.s60.com .   About Nokia Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.   About Vodafone Vodafone is the world's leading international mobile telecommunications group with equity interests in 25 countries across 5 continents as at 31 December 2006, as well as 35 partner networks.  By the end of January, Vodafone announced it had over 200 million proportionate customers worldwide.  For further information, please visit www.vodafone.com . 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