Nokia’s latest smartphone, the N8, marks a big step for the manufacturer. The 12-megapixel camera with Xenon flash is the first. The next step is the inclusion of HD video capture and HDMI output and Dolby Digital Plus surround sound. Following from there is the showcasing of the very latest version of the Symbian Foundation operating system, Symbian^3.
The total package, due for release in Q3 (or when Symbian Foundation get the new operating system ready and stable enough to prevent the problems that afflicted the original S60 5th Edition handsets) is without a doubt a flagship product.
The new version of the operating system allows multiple homescreens, with apps and widgets, great 2D and 3D performance and access to Ovi Store, Ovi Maps (with free walk and drive navigation) and other Nokia services. For the first time, the operating system coupled with the capacitive touchscreen display will allow multi-touch, flick scrolling (aka kinetic scrolling) and pinch-zoom.
The phone comes with 16GB of onboard memory, expandable by another 32GB with microSDHC cards. The phone also supports 3G with HSPA and Wi-Fi. HD video recording is at 1280x720p.
More info: Nokia N8 site
Symbian^3 – further information (from Nokia)
The open source Symbian platform is the world’s leading smartphone platform. Its flexibility enables Nokia and other device manufacturers to offer a wide and differentiated portfolio of devices.
By leveraging the power of S^3, Nokia has created a fresh, fast and more responsive user interface that will bring users improved usability and personalization options.
Debuting on the new Nokia N8 device, the experience includes:
When paired with social networking integration, Ovi services or compelling services from our operator customers, the S^3 experience on Nokia devices truly comes to life.
