In April, Nokia introduced its newest Symbian software update, called Symbian Anna, along with the launch of the Nokia E6 and the Nokia X7. At the Nokia Connection event in Singapore today, Nokia announced that it will start shipping Nokia N8s, E7s, C7s and C6-01s with Symbian Anna in July. If you already own one of these devices, you can download the software by the end of August.
Upgrading to a ‘new look’ phone is free and easy. You can update your device with your PC or over-the-air from the software updater in the phone. The Symbian Anna upgrade gives you a set of new icons, a faster web browser, improved text input and enhanced maps. In other words, your phone will get a free make-over, giving you a better experience while remaining reliable and easy to use.
One of the most anticipated enhancements in Symbian Anna is split screen view while typing, so users can see their message thread. There is also virtual portrait QWERTY for quick, one handed typing. And the web browser is faster and easier to use, delivering quicker page loads and improved navigation.
Ovi Maps has been refreshed with simpler and quicker search, new public transportation routes and check-in to Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare or local social networks. You can also share places via email and SMS, even with friends using non-Nokia phones.
Business users will benefit from instant messaging with Microsoft Communicator Mobile, email enhancements including full meeting request support, and true business grade security with hardware accelerated encryption. There is also easy and secure intranet access for people who want to get on their company intranet.
The social client has been improved as well. Now you can see people’s status updates in their contact card, as well as retweet and view your follower list in Twitter.
At Nokia Connection, Nokia also restated its commitment to Symbian. Nokia’s CEO Stephen Elop said in his keynote that over the next 12 months the company plans to bring up to 10 new Symbian-based smartphones to market.
Which Symbian Anna features are you the most excited about?