Nokia will use its MeeGo platform to develop disruptive tablet PC software in a bid to prevent a repeat of its smartphone problems, a senior executive says.
The vendor’s chief technology officer Rich Green said he was disappointed the firm had to partner with another firm in smartphones, and said Nokia was determined never to be caught from behind again.
“[A]s we evaluate the feedback from MeeGo we’re going to consider that feedback, and the technology therein, for inclusion in our…next generation technologies or platform technologies,” Green pledged in a video blog.
The statement is a clear indication the firm will stay true to its word to keep backing MeeGo and Symbian despite throwing its lot in with Microsoft with a deal to use Windows Phone.
Green confirmed only one commercial MeeGo device will launch in 2011, but said the unit is “critically important,” in terms of feedback.
He expects reviews to be positive, after trialing the unit. “I’ve seen the device running and it’s beautiful, and elegant, and the hardware is interesting and the software is powerful.”
The MeeGo device’s user interface is powered by Nokia’s QML mobile apps development software, which will also feature heavily in future Symbian smartphones.
Green revealed there is “new hardware in the pipeline,” and predicted 150 million Symbian smartphones will ship in 2011. “Operating system platforms don’t quickly go away,” he explained.
The units will benefit from an updated user interface and gigahertz-capacity chipsets, Green said noting that the near 250 million Symbian handsets already shipped should keep the platform in developer’s crosshairs.