Nokia has released two new devices running an updated version of its beleaguered Symbian platform, which the company plans to eventually ditch in favor of Microsoft's Windows Phone 7.
The new devices, the E6 and X7, use Symbian Anna, which was tailored for business users with new icons, easier touchscreen typing, faster Web browsing, improved security and a refreshed Ovi Maps app.
"With these new products and more Symbian devices and user enhancements coming in the near future, we are confident we can keep existing Nokia smartphone customers engaged, as well as attract new first-time and competitor smartphone users," said Jo Harlow, head of Nokia's Smart Devices business, in a statement.
The handset manufacturer is hoping to retain its Symbian customers even as it moves to phase out the operating system with smartphones using Microsoft's technology. Nokia says it plans to ship 150 million Symbian devices in addition to its existing installed base of 200 million Symbian devices during its transition to Windows Phone 7.
Nokia says new shipments of the N8, E7, C7 and C6-01 will come loaded with Symbian Anna in the coming months. The update will also be available to download on previously purchased models of those same smartphones.
The E6 is targeted at business users with a full qwerty keyboard and a touchscreen. The X7 is more oriented toward consumer use with a 4-inch touchscreen, 8-megapixel camera and two preloaded games.
The E6 is expected to begin shipping to unspecified markets in the second quarter of 2011 for an estimated retail price of Euro 345, or $497. The X7 is also expected to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2011 and will be available in Europe, Eurasia, China, India and the Asia Pacific region. The estimated retail price of the Nokia X7 will be Euro 380, or $548.