43
Symbian S60 3rd Edition
Released June, 2005
The Pros:Offers greater stability than Windows Mobile(TM). Integrates Java MIDP (the Java runtime environment for compact mobile devices). True multi-tasking system with task switcher.
The Cons:Most Nokia applications won't run on non-Nokia Symbian phones (e.g. SportsTracker, Ovi Maps). No OS updates/enhancements available. Signing ridiculously restrictive for developers.
Symbian S60 3rd Edition is a true multi-tasking smartphone operating system released by Nokia in 2005. It is geared toward non-touch smartphones such as Nokia's 2006 flagship model, the N95. It supports application development in Java MIDP, C++, Python, and Adobe Flash, but lacks an integrated app store such as the Nokia Ovi Store found in the 5th edition of the operating system.
In contrast to the 1st and 2nd edition of Symbian S60, the 3rd edition OS integrates mandatory code signing. This means that only applications signed by registered developers for specific devices can be installed. While intended to increase the quality and legitimacy of software, the implementation of this feature has been criticized by developers as cumbersome, and it prevents owners of rather uncommon devices from installing software. The operating system is mainly sold with Nokia devices, however, it has also been adopted by LG and Samsung in some of their phones. In 2010, Nokia aims to keep Symbian S60 3rd Edition alive by moving it to the entry- and mid-range smartphone market; the latest addition has been the Nokia C5, scheduled to be released in Q2 2010.
User Reviews (5)
Pros & Cons
-
4
Offers greater stability than Windows Mobile(TM).
-
4
integrates Java MIDP (the Java runtime environment for compact mobile devices)
-
2
true multi-tasking system with task switcher
-
2
well-organized and configurable home screen with app shortcuts, calendar items, currently playing/paused music, time, Google search (on some devices)
-
1
-
1
lots of commercial and free software and themes available
-
1
Based on an excellent EPOC32 OS from Psion
-
-1
-
4
most Nokia applications won't run on non-Nokia Symbian phones (e.g. SportsTracker, Ovi Maps)
-
4
no OS updates/enhancements available
-
4
Signing ridiculously restrictive for developers
-
3
Software greatly limited by ridiculous 'Signing'
-
2
Software signing means that even if you buy an app you will not be able to install it on another phone, even identical replacement Nokia
-
2
A platform that is only 'fairly' stable. Bugs take forever to fix, and once a new model is out Nokia ceases to update firmware for older phones.
-
1
Not as widely catered for by software vendors (Although this is changing gradually).
-
1
Ovi Store: the Nokia app store, has limited apps for most phones
-
1
Dictionaries of commonly used words are routinely deleted by device - no backup available.
-
1
Backing up is finicky, poorly implemented.
-
0
Extremely poor multilanguage support. You are stuck with whatever the few languages the phone came with. Not possible to install more.
Community Reviews
see more community reviews
From your Computer
From the Web
Comments (1)
dom:
#symbian_s60_3rd_edition Regarding the Con "Extremely poor multilanguage support. You are stuck with whatever the few languages the phone came with. Not possible to install more.":
It's true that this isn't possible in the regular application space, however, you can update your phone's firmware to get almost any language you want. My Samsung G810 came with Mandarin, Malaysian, and English. I got a different firmware for it and now it does English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese, and Slovenian :-)
Mar 8, 10
like
helpful
Read the full review
You may also like...
