The freshly released Nokia Symbian Belle operating system will now be receiving free updates in the form of Microsoft Apps. It is basically a suite of Microsoft productivity applications which are said to enhance the comprehensive security and manageability features that the new OS integrates.
These apps do not require any extra infrastructure to function. They include a host of productivity tools such as Microsoft Lync 2010 Mobile, Microsoft OneNote, Microsoft PowerPoint Broadcast and Microsoft Document Connection (which provides Microsoft SharePoint access).
“Work is an important part of personal lifestyle, aspiration and achievement for many people around the world. Just as Symbian Belle extends the everyday possibilities for social interaction, we wanted to extend the possibilities to manage personal worklife for individuals and employers. Microsoft Apps is another example of Nokia’s ongoing commitment to continue delivering value and innovation to Symbian users,” explained Purnima Kochikar, VP business mobility, Nokia.
There are plans to launch an update in the first half of 2012 as well. The future update will introduce Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint as native applications for the first time outside the Windows platform. Microsoft Apps will be delivered through a software update over the air or by way of PC download and is capable of operating on the Nokia N8, Nokia C7, Nokia C6-01, Nokia E7, Nokia E6, Nokia X7, Nokia 700, Nokia 701, Nokia 600 and Nokia Oro.
Microsoft Apps will be available for Nokia Symbian Belle by the end of 4Q 2011, while its wide consumer availability will begin early next year.