Nokia Browser for Symbian Overview and Key Updates

Author

Reads 12K

Vintage Nokia mobile phone standing upright on a wooden surface, showcasing its retro design.
Credit: pexels.com, Vintage Nokia mobile phone standing upright on a wooden surface, showcasing its retro design.

The Nokia Browser for Symbian is a web browser that was specifically designed for Nokia's Symbian operating system. It was a popular choice among Nokia users, especially in the early 2000s.

The browser was known for its speed and efficiency, making it a great option for users who wanted to quickly access the internet on their mobile devices. It also had a user-friendly interface that made it easy to navigate and find the information you needed.

One of the key updates to the Nokia Browser for Symbian was the addition of support for HTML5, which allowed for more interactive and engaging web experiences. This update also enabled better performance and improved battery life.

History

The Nokia Browser for Symbian has a rich history that dates back to 2002. The first version of the browser was released that year.

It lacked support for WAP and WML, which were essential technologies for mobile browsing at the time. The browser was improved with the introduction of s60 version 2, which added support for these protocols.

Credit: youtube.com, Symbian S60 v9.2 - Flash Video in Internet Browser

The Nokia Services (WAP) browser was the default browser on initial device shipments of this platform. In 2005, Nokia announced its plans to port WebKit to the S60 Browser, which was made available in November of that year.

This update brought significant improvements to the browser, including support for HTML, WAP 2.0 (XHTML), cookies, and JavaScript. Here are some of the key features of the updated browser:

  • HTML
  • WAP 2.0 (XHTML)
  • Cookies and JavaScript
  • Wide web pages can be formatted for mobile viewing
  • Multi-file download
  • Super web browsing

In 2006, Nokia made a significant move by releasing the source code for its port of WebKit back to the community. This decision marked a new era of collaboration and openness in mobile browser development.

Nokia Browser Versions

The Nokia Browser has come a long way, with several versions available for Symbian devices. Nokia Browser 7.2 is supported on Symbian^3 and S60 (3rd and 5th Edition) platform devices.

The Nokia Browser 7.2 supports features like capacitive touch display, two-finger touch support, and Flash Lite 4.0 on Symbian 3 devices. It also includes Search Client Integration and supports Optical Finger Navigation.

Suggestion: Nokia 7.2

Credit: youtube.com, Speed Test: Nokia Belle Browser vs. Opera Mini

Here's a quick rundown of the features supported by Nokia Browser 7.2:

  • Support for Capacitive touch display
  • Two finger touch support (pinch open and pinch close) - on capacitive touch devices only
  • Support for Optical Finger Navigation
  • Flash Lite 4.0 - On Symbian 3 devices only
  • Flash Lite 3.1 - On Symbian 3, S60 5th Edition, and S60 3rd Edition (Feature Pack 2) devices
  • Search Client Integration

Nokia Browser 7.4 is another notable version, which added support for HTML5 Audio/Video APIs and UI, HTML5 Geolocation APIs and UI, and URL hash tag navigation. It also introduced a new user interface with features like direct access to RSS web feeds from the menu and links that can be shared via SMS, e-mail, or Bluetooth.

7.0

The Nokia Browser 7.0 was a significant release that brought several exciting features to the table. It was specifically designed for S60 5th Edition devices.

Nokia Browser 7.0 supported touch devices, making it a great option for users who wanted to navigate the web on their smartphones. On-screen zoom controls were also introduced, which was a game-changer for those who wanted to zoom in and out of web pages without any hassle.

Here are the key features of Nokia Browser 7.0:

  • Support for touch devices
  • On-screen zoom controls

7.4

The Nokia Browser 7.4 was pre-installed on Nokia Belle devices, including the Nokia 600, 603, 700, and 701.

Credit: youtube.com, Nokia N8, Symbian Belle & Nokia Browser 7.4.1.8 (Faster Browser! Java Disable!)

It's also available for Symbian^3/Anna devices as part of the upgrade from Symbian Anna to Nokia Belle.

Nokia Browser 7.4 added support for HTML5 Audio/Video APIs and UI, HTML5 Geolocation APIs and UI, and URL hash tag navigation within a web page without page reloads.

The user interface was also changed to include previous/next page, bookmarks, multi-window navigation, and menu buttons at the bottom.

Direct access to RSS web feeds from the menu was added, and links can be shared via SMS, email, or Bluetooth.

Here are the key features added in Nokia Browser 7.4:

  • HTML5 Audio/Video APIs and UI
  • HTML5 Geolocation APIs and UI
  • URL hash tag navigation within a web page without page reloads

Symbian Updates

Nokia has been releasing updates for its older Symbian 3.2 and 5.0 platforms, bringing new features to a range of handsets.

The updates include a new Nokia browser v7.3, which improves performance and supports International Domain Names (IDNs) and non-ASCII letters. This browser is the same one that will be released with the Anna update on newer Symbian phones.

Credit: youtube.com, Star Browser Symbian v1.75 Out Of Life Update

The firmware update also brings an updated Ovi Maps app, which offers free voice-guided navigation and indoor positioning through WiFi on Symbian 3.2 devices. On Symbian 5.0 devices, it adds public transport lines and check-in services to social networking sites.

Here are some of the handsets that are getting the update:

  • Nokia E72
  • Nokia E52
  • Nokia E5
  • Nokia C5-00
  • Nokia 6700 slide
  • Nokia C6-00
  • Nokia C5-03
  • Nokia 5230
  • Nokia 5235
  • Nokia 5250
  • Nokia X6
  • Nokia N97 mini
  • Nokia 5800 XpressMusic
  • Nokia 5530 XpressMusic

7.3 Symbian Gets Navigation Update

Symbian 3.2 and 5.0 devices are getting a browser and navigation update. This update will bring a new Nokia browser v7.3 to these aging phones, which should significantly improve their browsing experience.

The new browser will offer improved performance, support for International Domain Names (IDNs), and support for non-ASCII letters such as Arabic or Chinese. It's a great step forward for these devices, making them more usable and enjoyable to use.

The update will also bring an updated Ovi Maps app to these devices. On Symbian 3.2 devices, Ovi Maps will go to version Ovi Maps 3 SR4, bringing indoor positioning through WiFi and travel and recommendation services. On Symbian 5.0 devices, Ovi Maps will go to version Ovi Maps 3 SR6, adding public transport lines and check-in services to social networking sites.

Related reading: Microsoft Mobile Services

Low angle of happy young black guy in formal wear browsing mobile phone and enjoying music in true wireless earphones while standing on street near modern building
Credit: pexels.com, Low angle of happy young black guy in formal wear browsing mobile phone and enjoying music in true wireless earphones while standing on street near modern building

Nokia C6-00 and Nokia 5230 are already eligible for the update, while the rest of the smartphones will get it in the next few weeks. So make sure you have the software update autocheck switched on in your phone.

Here are some of the devices that will receive this update:

  • Nokia E72
  • Nokia E52
  • Nokia E5
  • Nokia C5-00
  • Nokia 6700 slide
  • Nokia C6-00
  • Nokia C5-03
  • Nokia 5230
  • Nokia 5235
  • Nokia 5250
  • Nokia X6
  • Nokia N97 mini
  • Nokia 5800 XpressMusic
  • Nokia 5530 XpressMusic

S60v3

The S60v3 was a significant update to the Symbian platform, released on April 1, 2006. This update brought many exciting features to the table.

One of the notable improvements was the support for HTML, WAP 2.0 (XHTML), and Adobe Flash Lite. These technologies enabled developers to create more interactive and engaging mobile experiences.

The S60v3 browser also introduced multi-window browsing, allowing users to have multiple web pages open at the same time. This was a game-changer for mobile browsing, making it easier to switch between tabs and access multiple websites simultaneously.

Another useful feature was the ability to download multiple files at once, with a limit of up to 10 files. This saved time and made it more convenient for users to download large files or multiple resources.

Here are some of the key features of the S60v3 browser:

  • HTML
  • WAP 2.0 (XHTML)
  • Cookies and Adobe Flash Lite
  • Multi-window browsing
  • Downloading multiple files at once (up to 10)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nokia still use Symbian?

No, Nokia abandoned Symbian in 2013 and shifted to Windows Phone OS. Symbian was later absorbed by Accenture for maintenance until 2016.

Desiree Feest

Senior Assigning Editor

Desiree Feest is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a passion for uncovering the latest trends and innovations in technology. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for identifying emerging stories, Desiree has successfully curated content across various article categories. Her expertise spans the realm of Azure, where she has covered topics such as Azure Data Studio and Azure Tools and Software.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.