SiNGAPORE – 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?