Nokia rings the changes with Belle update
Nokia has begun rolling out an update to the Belle version of the mobile OS formerly known as Symbian, which brings a revamped interface and improvements to camera functionality.
Nokia, which replaced Symbian with Windows Phone as its primary platform in February 2011, first notified users that the update was available on Tuesday, promising that it would breathe new life into existing handsets.
"With Nokia Belle, you'll be able to transform your Nokia N8, Nokia E7, Nokia E6, Nokia X7, Nokia C6-01, Nokia C7, or Nokia Oro device, by adding a whole load of enhancements," the company wrote on its official blog. Belle will also be rolling out to the Nokia 500 "in the next few weeks".
Belle handset owners can check if the update is available for their device in their country by visiting Nokia's rollout schedule page.
Among the new features is the option to have up to six home screens, larger live widgets and easier personalisation options. The Belle update also brings an updated version of Nokia Maps, a new status bar and a new tool bar to the Belle devices, along with 30fps video recording.
The update itself is between 262MB and 397MB depending on the phone model, and will have to be connected to a computer for installation using the most recent version of the Nokia Suite desktop software.
Nokia also warned potential upgraders that it's not possible to revert to the previous software version once the update has been applied to a handset. It also removes all downloaded apps from the device, meaning that they will need to be downloaded again from the Nokia Store.
In addition, the company said it would soon be announcing availability of Microsoft productivity apps such as Lync and OneNote.
Nokia, which handed the management of the platform to Accenture when it switched to Windows Phone, has maintained that it will continue to support Symbian handsets until 2016. Despite Nokia's decision, the Symbian platform continued to show growth throughout 2011, according to figures provided by StatCounter and compiled by RoyalPingdom.