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Symbian goes open source to take on Android
Andrew Williams
Symbian has gone open source, which will mean that manufacturers will be able to tinker freely with the OS
Symbian has opened its code doors
Published on Feb 4, 2010
The Symbian operating system has switched to an open source policy, which will allow handset manufacturers to make their own custom versions of the OS.
Although still the most common smartphone operating system, Symbian has fallen behind rivals Android OS and iPhone OS in user interface terms. This latest move will help accelerate the development of the ailing OS if manufacturers find the open source carrot sufficiently attractive.
Nokia recently reaffirmed its continued support for Symbian – stating that it would use the operating system in future mid-range phones. However, the move to open source could see Symbian pop up on non-mobile devices too. A Symbian-powered microwave, perhaps?
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