Ovi Store Enables App Updates for Symbian^3 Devices

One of the nicest features that Nokia has added to its Ovi Store lately would be the possibility to update applications that have been already downloaded from the storefront.

A new flavor of Ovi Store is now available for Nokia users, with the said feature included into the mix, and with some other new options as well.

The new enhancement was made available for users of handsets powered by the Symbian^3 platform.

Owners of these devices would be able to review and apply updates for the apps they already downloaded.

“After updating to Store 2.8, when the user launches the Store client and signs in, the client automatically checks if any of their downloaded apps have an update available,” a recent article on Ovi Publish reads.

“If there are updates, the user will see a green flag in the corner of your screen by your “Account” tab. Touching the flag will take the user to his account page where he can choose to update “All” or select individual apps.”

This was one of the most requested features for the Ovi Store application portal, and should enhance the experience developers receive from the storefront as well.

“You will experience better engagement with your audience as you deliver new features, enhancements and fixes,” the said article continues.

“Users who downloaded an app from the Store will be notified of the updates and can download them for free. It increases the lifetime of the applications, creates an ongoing relationship between developer and user, and increases the opportunity for the app’s success.”

Developers who come up with new versions of their applications would need to check the publisher guide to learn more on the recommended version format and on the manner in which they would be able to offer release notes on the update.

As stated above, the new feature comes to Symbian^3 devices this week, and should reach more handsets in the future.

The new flavor of Ovi Store also comes with new ways in which Top Free and Best Sellers are delivered, meant to make apps more visible to users. The algorithm should be more precise now, the said article explains.

Moreover, the app portal comes with new ways to deliver related content to users, so that users are served more relevant applications.

One of the changes added into the mix would affect clients for S60 5.x and S60 3.x. Arabic Store clients will be visible to users who have set Arabic as their device language.