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S60 platform

Find out what this new consumer brand means for developers »

S60 platform overview
S60 3rd Edition continues to raise the bar
C++ application developers
Java™ application developers
Flash Lite from Adobe developers
Python application developers
Media and content developers
Screen resolutions

Featured devices
Getting started
Tools and SDKs
Most recent tools and SDKs
Most recent documents
Support
Code and examples

S60 platform overview

The S60 platform brings end users the best smartphone experience available. The platform is implemented in a diverse range of devices and provides application and media developers with a consistent set of technologies. Equally at home delivering advanced enterprise applications, games, or music, the S60 platform gives developers unparalleled opportunities in the mobile space.

Developers can work in C++ (using native Symbian OS APIs and a subset of the POSIX standard libraries provided by Open C), the Java™ language (using MIDP 2.0 with an extensive range of additional JSRs), Flash Lite from Adobe, and Python.

Once applications and content have been created, support for OMA DRM protects developers' intellectual property.

S60 licensees had shipped more than 100 million S60 devices cumulatively by April 2007. As for the overall smartphone market, it is expected to continue growing rapidly: Nokia expects cumulative smartphone shipments to exceed 250 million units in 2008. According to company projections, S60 devices will account for the bulk of this volume.

The S60 platform enables developers to create high-value applications and content with lucrative revenue opportunities. The platform approach — with uniform implementation of technologies and supporting tools, documentation, and examples — requires less effort by developers to grasp these market opportunities.

Find out more at S60.com, the "one-stop shop" for information on the S60 platform — including applications, licensees, devices, news, blogs, and developer information.

S60 3rd Edition continues to raise the bar

More than a dozen device models based on S60 3rd Edition are shipping. Based on state-of-the-art Symbian OS v9, S60 3rd Edition is packed with features and capabilities that let developers reach new markets, bring better performance to their applications, and improve application integrity.

Symbian OS platform security was introduced in S60 3rd Edition. Platform security enhances the security features of Symbian OS to deliver a more secure platform for mobile devices.

Find out more about platform security »

Two feature packs for S60 3rd Edition have been announced. These bring further enhancements to Symbian C++, Java™, and Flash Lite from Adobe developers, with new APIs that enable applications to offer exciting new features to users.

Find out more from the document S60 3rd Edition: What's New for Developers »

In S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2, the presence of Web Runtime allows S60 users to access Web 2.0 services and Internet content by using widgets. Using familiar Web-based technologies — such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript™, and Ajax — widgets allow developers to deliver Web 2.0 functionality to S60 devices more easily than ever.

C++ application developers

The S60 platform provides developers with access to C++ APIs from Symbian OS and to the S60 UI and application engines.

S60 2nd Edition employs Symbian OS v7.0s and, in later feature packs, Symbian OS v8.0a and Symbian OS v8.1a. More than 30 sets of new APIs are made available in S60 2nd Edition, supporting features such as DRM, publish and subscribe, image manipulation, and scalable icons.

S60 3rd Edition provides industry-leading security underpinned by Symbian Signed and a new, more efficient binary format. C++ developers have access to new location, SIP, DRM, and IM APIs in this edition. S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 1 adds APIs for OCR, OpenGL V1.1, and improved interaction with platform features such as the gallery, settings, and phonebook. The latest addition, S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2, adds support for Map framework APIs, RGA APIs, and APIs for seamless connection transition.

In addition, S60 3rd Edition includes Open C, which provides developers access to a set of standard POSIX and middleware C libraries. This access significantly improves developers' ability to use existing C code and smoothes the path for C developers who want to build applications for the S60 platform.

Java™ application developers

Java™ technology provides developers with a robust cross-platform alternative to C++.

S60 2nd Edition added Java™ ME/MIDP 2.0 with enhanced performance from the CLDC HotSpot compiler. In addition, a number of new JSRs were implemented, including the Mobile 3D Graphics API (JSR-184), Java™ APIs for Bluetooth (JSR-82), and FileConnection API (JSR-75).

With S60 3rd Edition, Java developers gain access to CLDC 1.1 and a more extensive range of APIs: the Security and Trust Services API (JSR-177), Java Location API (JSR-179), SIP API for J2ME™ (JSR-180), Wireless Messaging API 2.0 (JSR-205). S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 1 also adds the Advanced Multimedia Supplements API (JSR-234) and Scalable Vector Graphics 2D API (JSR-226). S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2 provides support for the subset of the Mobile Service Architecture (JSR-248).

View the Getting Started with JSR-226 Applications for S60 Devices screencast to see how NetBeans supports the use of SVGT graphics in S60 devices.

The Java implementation on the S60 platform shares many features with the implementations on the Series 40 platform and the Series 80 platform. This allows developers to easily extend their applications' reach to the entire range of platforms.

Flash Lite from Adobe developers

Flash Lite from Adobe became an optional feature of S60 3rd Edition in the form of support for Flash Lite 1.1. In Feature Pack 1, the supported version is Flash Lite 2.0, while Feature Pack 2 supports Flash Lite 2.1.

Flash Lite offers a development option for both content and applications. Flash Lite technology can deliver content or applications on S60 devices. The Web Browser for S60 can also play Flash Lite content offered on Web sites, and Flash Lite animations can be used as device screen savers from S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 1 onward.

Python application developers

Python developers now have access to a Python interpreter for all editions of the S60 platform. Whether prototyping applications for later C++ or Java™ implementation or delivering fully functional applications, Python provides a rapid-development environment for the S60 platform.

Media and content developers

The S60 platform provides media developers with options to create browsing and messaging applications, deliver streaming audio and video, and create themes to personalize devices.

For browsing applications, S60 2nd Edition provides WML and XHTML Mobile Profile over WAP as well as support for HTTP/1.1 and browsing over TCP/IP. In addition, secure applications are possible through support for SSL and TLS. Browsing has been improved in S60 3rd Edition with the introduction of the Web Browser for S60. From S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 1 onward, the Web Browser for S60 is the platform's default browser.

With S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2, Web developers gain the ability to create widgets that deliver Web 2.0 functionality to S60 devices.

Developers of music-based applications and services for the S60 platform have access to an extensive range of APIs for manipulating and playing music. Those capabilities, coupled with the S60 platform's state-of-the-art music player, afford developers extensive opportunities to create music-related applications and services. The S60 platform also provides support for streaming audio and video.

Messaging developers have the ability to use MMS through the SMIL support added to S60 2nd Edition. This allows messages to be created as animated slide shows.

Finally, S60 2nd Edition and S60 3rd Edition give media developers the ability to create themes for S60 devices, allowing customization of the look and sound of the user interface.

Screen resolutions

The S60 platform supports several UI resolutions, as illustrated here:

Portrait resolutions	Landscape resolutions

176 x 208 pixels This "classic" S60 UI resolution has been supported from the first S60 device, the Nokia 7650 phone.	208 x 176 pixels This resolution, introduced in S60 3rd Edition, offers a landscape version of the "classic" S60 UI resolution. This option has yet to be implemented in a device.

240 x 320 pixels This UI, introduced in S60 2nd Edition, Feature Pack 3, offers a portrait QVGA format for S60 devices. Its first implementation was in the Nokia N92 device.	320 x 240 pixels This UI, introduced in S60 3rd Edition, offers a landscape QVGA format for S60 devices. The first implementation was in the Nokia E61 smartphone.

352 x 416 pixels This "double" UI, introduced in S60 2nd Edition, Feature Pack 3, offers four times the pixels of the "classic" S60 UI resolution. The first implementation was in the Nokia N90 device.	416 x 352 pixels This UI, introduced in S60 3rd Edition, offers a landscape version of the "double" S60 UI resolution. The first implementation was in the Nokia N90 device, where it is used exclusively by the camera application. The Nokia E70 smartphone is the first device that offers this UI as a switchable (flip-open) option.

Featured devices

Nokia 6120 classic
The Nokia 6120 is a dual mode portable multimedia computer supporting EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA/HSDPA 850/2100. The Nokia 6120 Classic supports video calls, photos, and videos with two built-in cameras a 2 megapixel and a QVGA. Enjoy videos, music and graphics with on the 2" QVGA (240 x 320 pixels), 16M color main display. Additional Nokia 6120 features include USB 2.0, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR with A2DP, and MicroSD memory card support.
Wireless Terminal; English (en)

Nokia E90 Communicator
The Nokia E90 Communicator features 3G, HSDPA and WLAN for true Broadband connections and global coverage using quad band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA 2100. A QWERTY keypad, active matrix color display with 800 x 352 pixels x 16M colors, and features you typically rely on your PC for, gives the Nokia E90 Communicator "all in one”, laptop, PDA and phone functionality to accomplish any business task. The Nokia E90 Communicator also includes a built-in GPS receiver that works as a stand-alone positioning device using GPS satellites. Use the Nokia E90 Communicator to navigate and find your location using the built-in maps.
Wireless Terminal; English (en)

Nokia 6110 Navigator
The Nokia 6110 Navigator is a GSM/WCDMA dual mode hand portable phone supporting EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA 2100 HSDPA. Find your way by car or foot with instant & easy to use fully integrated GPS Navigation solution. Voice guidance and maps with turn arrows help you find the fastest way to your destination. The Nokia 6110 Navigator also supports video calls with two integrated cameras. The Nokia 6110 Navigation has a large 2.2’’ QVGA (240 x 320 pixels) TFT color display and an integrated 2 Megapixel camera with digital zoom and integrated LED flash and features support for MMS 1.2, web browsing and Bluetooth 2.0 stereo headsets.
Wireless Terminal; English (en)

Nokia N95
Use the Nokia N95 for connecting to mobile Broadband using WLAN or HSDPA (3.5G) with up to 10 times faster downloading than 3G. Find directions and locations with the integrated GPS and included maps. The Nokia N95 is a GSM/WCDMA dual mode portable multimedia computer supporting EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA 2100 HSDPA. Use the Nokia N95 to take photos with a 5 megapixel autofocus camera and enjoy videos, music and graphics with crystal clarity on the 2.6” QVGA (240 x 320 pixels), 16M color display. Listen to music with enhanced “3D stereo” using the built-in dual speakers or for a big screen experience, connect the Nokia N95 to a compatible TV using direct TV out connectivity or via Wireless LAN and UPnP technology. Additional Nokia N95 features include USB 2.0, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR with A2DP stereo audio, and MicroSD memory card support.
Wireless Terminal; English (en)

Nokia N77
The Nokia N77 is a mobile TV and multimedia computer supporting WCDMA 2100 and EGSM 900/1800/1900 or EGSM 900/1800/1900 for some regions. The Nokia N77 is optimized for viewing mobile broadcast content and accessing interactive services. In addition to the integrated DVB-H receiver, the Nokia N77 has a large, 2.4'' display with up to 16 Million colors, stereo speakers, and dedicated key for accessing DVB-H based mobile TV. The Nokia N77 also has an integrated 2 mega-pixel digital camera, and is MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) capable. The WAP 2.0 compatible Browser supports XHTML Mobile Profile (MP) and uses a TCP/IP stack to communicate with a gateway in network. The Nokia N77 supports Java MIDP 2.0 & CLDC 1.1 and supporting API’s.
Wireless Terminal; English (en)

View all S60 devices »

Getting started

Not yet developing for the S60 platform? These documents provide introductions to the platform, to developing applications using C++ or Java™ APIs, to delivering content as themes, and to using WAP 1.2.1, XHTML, and MMS.

S60 Platform: FAQ
This document answers the most frequently asked questions posed by developers and business managers regarding the S60 platform. The questions and answers cover all the platform editions, development options, available tools, and market information.

S60 Platform: Introductory Guide
This document provides an introduction to the main aspects of the S60 platform from the developer's point of view. It covers all platform editions, available tools, and guides to finding further information.

S60 Platform: Basics
This document is an introduction to the S60 platform. Besides giving a platform overview, the document discusses compatibility, porting, and security issues. The characteristics and technological requirements of S60 devices are also briefly described. In addition, the document provides a release history of the APIs included in the S60 platform.

S60 Platform: Application Framework Handbook v2.0
This document discusses issues involved in the design and implementation of an S60 C++ application. The document first gives a general introduction to the S60 application structure, describes specific S60 controls, and then considers the general design issues of C++ applications.

Creating Themes for Series 40 and S60 Devices: Visual Guide v2.1
This updated document helps you create effective, high-quality Themes for Series 40 and S60 devices as well as the Nokia 7710 multimedia smartphone. It gives instructions on designing usable but unique style, backgrounds, icons, and other elements. The document has been updated to cover the features of the new Series 40 and S60 Theme Studios and to introduce new supported features, for example, in Series 40 3rd Edition and S60 3rd Edition devices. The S60 Themes Illustrator Sketching Templates and the S60 Themes Photoshop Sketching Template are closely related to this document.

Read documents on getting started with Symbian C++ »
Read documents on getting started with Java »

Tools and SDKs

Forum Nokia's main Tools and SDKs page provides details about all the tools and SDKs available from Nokia for the S60 platform. The page also links to getting-started articles that give overviews of the tools and SDKs.

Most recent tools and SDKs

Download what you need for stand-alone development or to extend your favorite IDE.

S60 Platform SDKs for Symbian OS, for C++
The S60 3rd Edition SDK for Symbian OS, Feature Pack 2 v1.1 enables application development in C++, Open C, Java™, and Web Technologies for devices based on the S60 platform. The SDK is based on S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2, and Symbian OS 9.3. The SDK includes all key resources needed for application development (documentation, API reference, and an emulator), excluding an IDE.

Open C SDK Plug-In for S60 3rd Edition SDKs, for Symbian OS, for C++
Open C/C++ plug-ins for S60 3rd Edition provide developers with access to a comprehensive range of standard C/C++ libraries. These include:

C libraries, providing functions from nine well-known Standard POSIX and middleware C libraries, including: libc, libdl, libpthread, libm, libz, libcrypt, libcrypto, libglib, and libssl.
C++ libraries, providing cross-platform standard C++ libraries, including IOStreams, STL, and Boost.
Real-Time Graphics and Audio (RGA) API, providing C++ libraries — for selected devices — that enable the development applications with rich audio and graphics.

Carbide.c++ v1.3, the development tool for C++ for Symbian OS and Open C developers
Carbide.c++ is a powerful family of mobile development tools built on the Eclipse framework. The Carbide.c++ family comprises: Carbide.c++ OEM, for device-creation users; Carbide.c++ Professional, for developers working with pre-production devices; Carbide.c++ Developer, for application development on production phones; and Carbide.c++ Express, a no-cost download to introduce developers to mobile experience.

View all S60 tools and SDKs »

Most recent documents

Check out these recent documents for the latest information.

18-Aug-2008

Application of the Week: Whrrl
Whrrl is a free, social-discovery tool that combines in-depth data and personal recommendations from the user’s social circles with location-based services. Whrrl users have instant access to millions of points of interest throughout the U.S.
Document --- Article; Business/Technical Services, Location Based Services, S60 --- S60 3rd Edition; Adobe PDF (.pdf); English (en)

14-Aug-2008

Flash Lite: Tips and Tricks
This document lists some useful tips and tricks to assist in creating content and applications using Adobe Flash Lite on Nokia platforms.
Document; Flash --- Flash Lite, S60, Series 40; English (en)

13-Aug-2008

Application of the Week: Plusmo
Plusmo is a leading provider of mobile “widgets” that deliver rich, personalized experiences for consumers on a broad range of Nokia devices. Plusmo’s service enables people to extend social networking, track live sports, get news updates, watch videos, and play games through their mobile phones anytime and anywhere. Click on any of the links to the right to learn more about Plusmo.
Document --- Article; Customization, Entertainment, S60 ... S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2, Web Technology ... Widget for S60; Adobe PDF (.pdf); English (en)

03-Jul-2008

C++ Developer's Library
The C++ Developer's Library is an integrated package of information for developers wishing to use the S60 platform to develop mobile C++ applications and services. The library includes a C++ API Reference Guide. It also provides links to the Symbian OS online library, and to documentation and example applications available on Forum Nokia. The main library focuses on the S60 releases that have a wide representation on the market, while the extension library introduces the features of the newest S60 releases, for future devices. The libraries are available as a stand-alone version, as an Eclipse plug-in and in HTML format online. The stand-alone and Eclipse plugin formats support searching through the Eclipse platform.
Document; S60 ... S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 1 / S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2, Symbian C++, Symbian OS --- Symbian OS v9.1 / Symbian OS v9.2 / Symbian OS v9.3; English (en)

27-Jun-2008

Java™ Technology FAQ v1.1
This document provides answers to frequently asked questions about Nokia’s Java™ technology strategy, the Java technology supported by Nokia, Java technology and Nokia platforms, Forum Nokia’s Java tools strategy, Nokia’s support for NetBeans, Forum Nokia’s tools for Java developers, and Nokia’s Java technology roadmap. The document has been updated to include details on new JSR support in Series 40 6th Edition.
Document --- Frequently Asked Questions; IDE --- Eclipse / Sun NetBeans, Java --- Java ME, S60, Series 40; Adobe PDF (.pdf); English (en)

View all S60 documents »

Support

Forum Nokia provides developers with several support options.

Knowledge Base
A developer's first port of call should be the Forum Nokia Knowledge Base, where known issues and technical solutions are published regularly. Access to the Knowledge Base requires registration with Forum Nokia, which is free.

Forum Nokia Technical Library
An alternative source of support information is the Forum Nokia Technical Library. The library comprises small documented items gathered by Forum Nokia Technical Consultancy and Services and contains such categories as Technical Solutions, FAQs, and Known Issues. The package is offered online and as a download in Microsoft HTML Help (.chm) and WebHelp formats. The library is updated regularly.

Access the Forum Nokia Technical Library »

Discussion Boards
The Forum Nokia Developer Discussion Boards offer an alternative source of support. Here, developers can access the knowledge of other S60 developers.

Access the Forum Nokia Developer Discussion Boards »

Technical Support
Finally, Forum Nokia offers pay-per-incident technical-support services.

Find out more about technical support »

Code and examples

Select from a broad range of example application source code that can help you jump-start development:

Symbian C++ code and examples »

S60 platform

Contents

S60 platform overview

S60 3rd Edition continues to raise the bar

C++ application developers

Java™ application developers

Flash Lite from Adobe developers

Python application developers

Media and content developers

Screen resolutions

Featured devices

Getting started

Tools and SDKs

Most recent tools and SDKs

Most recent documents

Support

Code and examples

Community highlights

Discussion thread of the week

Champion of the month

Newsletter sign up

Press

Events

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