14 DAY TRIAL // UIQ technology has announced a new version of their UIQ software platform, UIQ 3.1. The new version will add support for scalable vector graphics (SVG), improve the softkey configuration options as well as provide functions that facilitate multi-tasking and improve the ability to switch between the applications.
The previous version, UIQ 3 has been used in several Sony Ericsson handsets including M600i, W950i and P990i. Naturally, with all the rumors going around about a certain M600i successor that will also pack a camera and several other mobile phones that Sony Ericsson was expected to release but didn't, this release of a new UIQ version also makes one expect the unveiling of new UIQ devices at 3GSM next week with the new version of the OS included.
Sony Ericsson has also recently completed the acquisition of UIQ and is now, just like Nokia, owning its own operating system. The mobile phone manufacturer is the main producer of UIQ-based phones and before the acquisition has been working closely with the Swedish company UIQ Technology AB on UIQ 3.
After the acquisition, the UIQ in Symbian OS will continue to be openly available and give licenses on equal terms to all its licensees. Before becoming a subsidiary of Sony Ericsson, UIQ technology licensed the UIQ UI and application development platform to mobile phone vendors worldwide.
"UIQ 3.1 is developed in order to further expand and broaden the options for phone manufacturers to create attractive mobile phones for different market segments", says Peter Molin, VP Product Management at UIQ Technology.
"With the aim to extend UIQ smartphones into the mass-market, UIQ Technology's focus is to ensure that UIQ provides maximum options for phone manufacturers to customize their phones."