14 DAY TRIAL // Today, the Symbian Foundation announced the launch of web application development tools, enabling application builders to create software solutions for the Symbian platform in the simplest way possible. According to Symbian, the new tools are expected to offer creators of any technical ability the possibility to build applications, while offering access to both consumers and handset makers around the world.
“Now anyone can create fantastic applications for devices such as the Nokia N8, the world’s first Symbian^3 device,” said Lee Williams, executive director of Symbian. “These Symbian web application development tools provide an ideal entry point for web developers targeting the vast, new development opportunities offered by the Symbian^3 platform and the wider mobile marketplace, where compelling applications are proving their ability to fuel communities.”
Symbian’s web application development tools should enable any web developer to apply existing knowledge in HTML, CSS and JavaScript in a mobile context. There are only a few additional JavaScript APIs to explore, and developers will be able to directly access deep handset capabilities, so that they can deliver engaging applications that can benefit from handset functionalities like contacts, camera, accelerometers and even location.
Web applications for Symbian can be delivered through the use of any web development environment, yet the new tools add more value in segments like mobile-specific application preview, debugging and deployment features. These capabilities are also expected to support the transition of skills in the desktop environment to the mobile area.
“With these tools, web developers can leverage their existing expertise effectively to create powerful mobile applications. This, combined with the on-schedule release of Symbian^3, is further proof of our commitment to enabling innovation and empowering all developers, including web developers, to harness the rich capabilities of the Symbian platform,” Williams added.
The new tools have been recently released out of community beta, and can be used on all major platforms, including Windows, Mac and Linux. Those interested in downloading them should head over to the Symbian website here.