Nokia revamps maps in Symbian Anna update

Nokia has released details of the next version of the Symbian operating system, known as Anna, that improves usability, browser speed and bring new features to Ovi maps.

Previously referred to as Symbian PR2, the newest OS build is now called Anna and includes a number of changes from the previous iteration.

Most visible of the changes is the redesigned icon sets, Nokia said in a blog post on Tuesday. Other new features include a long-awaited portrait Qwerty keyboard option and a split screen text entry mode which makes it easier to see what you've typed.

Nokia said that the update improves browsing speed and has also tweaked the photo gallery to improve usability.

Anna includes the newest version of Ovi maps, which has a simplified search function, the addition of public transportation directions, and social networking functionality.

The update also includes minor business-focused tweaks such as instant messaging with Microsoft Communicator Mobile and email enhancements that include full meeting request support and hardware-accelerated device encryption.

The new OS will first be available on the newly launched Nokia X7 and E6 and will later be made available as an update for Nokia N8, C7, C6-01, and E7 handsets "in the coming months", Nokia said.

On 11 February, Nokia announced a partnership with Microsoft to produce smartphones that use its Windows Phone 7 platform. Nokia said that Symbian will be phased out over the course of the next two years.