Nokia Developer Newsletter

June 17, 2008

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In this issue

1. New Eseries Devices Offer Messaging, Personal Info Management
2. WidSets Gain New Developer Resources
3. Add Multiple-Drive Support to Your Applications with S60 Plug-in
4. Try Out 3D and Sensors
5. Explore the Elements of Mobile Design
6. Code Example Challenge Produced Great Code for Community
7. Developer Spotlight: AccuWeather Forecasts with S60 Widget

New Eseries Devices Offer Messaging, Personal Info Management

Nokia recently introduced two Eseries devices based on the S60 3rd Edition platform.

The Nokia E71 device is optimized for messaging and e-mail with a full messaging keyboard and two customizable home screens, which let users switch easily between business and personal applications. Other features include one-touch keys, intelligent input (including auto-completion), Nokia Calendar, built-in A-GPS, Nokia Maps, 3.2-megapixel camera, music player, Nokia MiniMap browser, and e-mail.

The Nokia E66 device offers excellent personal information management in a slide-phone design. Two customizable home screens let users switch easily between business and personal applications, and the display switches between portrait and landscape when the device is turned. Other features include one-touch keys, 3.2-megapixel camera, up to 8 gigabytes of storage (with a microSD memory card), music player, Nokia MiniMap browser, e-mail, and online sharing via Ovi.

Check out specs for the new Nokia Eseries devices.

• Nokia E71
• Nokia E66

Connect and share on Ovi.

WidSets Gain New Developer Resources

WidSets service is getting a boost from Forum Nokia. WidSets is a mobile Web 2.0 service that provides simplified usage and one-click access to preferred Web services and content, including user-generated content. Developing widgets for WidSets is easy, and developers can now publish widgets directly to the library on the consumer site and make them instantly available to the rapidly growing user base. WidSets can run on more than 300 device models currently supporting MIDP 2.0, including some 500 million Series 40 and S60 devices worldwide.

To help developers grasp this unique opportunity, Forum Nokia has launched a comprehensive developer offering for WidSets. To get started, visit the new QuickStart page, which provides easy access to the SDK, tools, API documentation, and examples, as well as links for related discussion forums and WidSets wikis. In addition, WidSets documentation on the Forum Nokia Wiki offers developers the opportunity to contribute to the articles and provide feedback.

Explore the new selection of widgets based on Web Runtime (WRT) technology supported by selected S60 devices. A new SDK utilizing the benefits of the WidSets service with WRT widgets will be available later.

Access WidSet resources available from Forum Nokia.

• Get the basics for WidSet development
• Get a quick start on WidSet development
• Download the WidSets SDK
• Explore WidSets documents on the Forum Nokia Wiki

Check out WidSets.

Browse the WidSets widgets library.

Add Multiple-Drive Support to Your Applications with S60 Plug-in

The Multiple Drive Support (MDS) Plug-in for the S60 3rd Edition SDK for Symbian OS, Feature Pack 2 lets developers create applications that can access any user-visible drive on an S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2 or newer device. The multiple-drive support provided by the plug-in consists of four elements: MDS-related API changes for the Common File Dialogs API and Platform Environment API, drive configuration scripts, an MDS example application, and documentation. While applications with MDS will not be backward-compatible with S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 1 or earlier, the applications will be compatible with all future S60 devices and SDKs.

Get more information about the MDS Plug-in.

Download the new Multiple Drive Support Plug-in for the S60 3rd Edition SDK for Symbian OS, Feature Pack 2.

Try Out 3D and Sensors

The updated 3D Game Engine Example demonstrates a simple car game written in Symbian C++. Everything seen on the screen is rendered in 3D, utilizing OpenGL ES. This application dynamically scales on all screen sizes of S60 devices. In this update, sensor support has been added so steering and throttle may be controlled by simply moving and rotating the device if it supports an accelerometer sensor.

Play with the updated 3D Game Engine Example.

Explore the Elements of Mobile Design

In today's mobile marketplace, good design is more important than ever. Two new Forum Nokia documents aim to help mobile developers understand the elements of mobile design.

The first document, an article entitled "The Value of Good Design," explores what design is, shows how good design can deliver value, and looks forward to the future. The second, a Forum Nokia white paper, is entitled "Getting Started with Mobile Design." It was written to help designers make the transition from print and the Web to mobile devices. The white paper lists common design challenges and their solutions and discusses both the design process and mobile design testing. Among the report's conclusions: "Mobile design is about knowing when, how, and why the application or service is used. It is about focusing on the essential goals and playing with the strengths of the tools and platforms available to achieve those goals. And it is about visual clarity and subtle, suggestive transitions and effects."

Download the new Forum Nokia documents aimed at helping developers understand the elements of mobile design.

• The Value of Good Design
• Getting Started with Mobile Design

Code Example Challenge Produced Great Code for Community

Forum Nokia recently announced the winners of the 2008 Code Example Challenge. The contest invited more than 50 developers around the globe to submit nearly 300 code example articles and applications to the Forum Nokia Wiki. The Challenge provided a great deal of new and exciting code snippets that other developers will be able to use for innovative and creative applications.

Overall Winner and Location-Based Services (LBS): Den Grigorenko is the overall winner for his 23 carefully documented articles and five applications with source code. Because Den's articles focused mainly on location-aware applications, he also won first place in the LBS category.

Flash Lite: There were so many excellent entries submitted that the judges decided to award two first prizes. Co-winner Faisal Iqbal submitted a Flash Lite article that demonstrated the features of the developer's kit he created and posted to the Forum Nokia Wiki. Co-winner Hayden Porter submitted a full-blown tutorial on how to build reusable components in Flash Lite 1.1.

Web Runtime: Dou Yongwang provided a series of well-documented examples on how to use the Prototype JavaScript library and create widgets.

In addition, special prizes were awarded to Raheal Akhtar, Felipe Andrade, David Caabeiro, Olympio Cipriano, Alessandro La Rosa, and Gerald Madlmayr.

Check out the Code Example Challenge winners and their winning articles.

Developer Spotlight: AccuWeather Forecasts with S60 Widget

When S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2 enabled the use of widgets in its Web Runtime, AccuWeather.com was among the first to take advantage. The company had been delivering its weather service to S60 devices via mobile Web services and a downloadable Java™ application. AccuWeather.com's S60 widget has a more attractive user interface than any of the company's previous products, according to Douglas Yule, director of research and development. It makes access to a variety of content — including detailed forecasts, a 15-day calendar view, and satellite radar data — easier than ever. The widget hooks into AccuWeather.com's back-end data systems, which also drive other mobile and Web services, to give users weather information for virtually any location on Earth. Adds Yule: "Nokia's early support was extremely helpful in our gaining acceptance of our services."

Check out AccuWeather.com's S60 widget.

Upcoming Events

Asia-Pacific

CommunicAsia2008: June 17-20

CommunicAsia2008 will showcase the full spread of industry leaders' convergent technologies and applications that are intended to enhance the mobility of enterprises and the lifestyles of consumers. The event's exhibition and summit will serve as a global platform for top operators, service providers, regulators, vendors, and consultants to network, exchange industry best practices, and shape the future of technology.
Learn more and register

Forum Nokia LBS Development Code Camp: Beijing: June 19

In this hands-on session, learn about developing location-based services (LBS) for the S60 platform.
Learn more and register

EMEA (Africa, Middle-East, Europe)

Mobile Developer Days 2008: September 10-12

MDD08 is designed to serve as a platform where developers, network operators, service providers, and mobile device manufacturers can exchange ideas on mobile communication. It will feature a stimulating program of speakers, tutorials, and more. The main focus will be on open source  and creation of applications for mobile devices using C++, Python, Java™, Open C, and other technologies.
Learn more

Symbian Smartphone Show 2008: October 21-22

Why come to this year's Symbian Smartphone Show? To network with up to 4,000 representatives from the leading device manufacturers, content providers, network operators, and developers. To meet leading smartphone engineers and developers from around the world. To experience the latest smartphones, components, applications, and software. To learn from case studies that highlight solutions to industry problems. The event will deliver CEO keynote sessions that are free and open to all attendees; more than 120 exhibitors from across the industry; dedicated developer content, training, and networking opportunities; and free show-floor content from leading industry speakers.
Learn more »

New Documents:

WidSets APIdocs
The WidSets API specifies the facilities available for the WidSets Scripting Language. The API documentation is available in online and downloadable format. Document; Web Technology --- WidSets; English (en)

Java™ ME Developer's Library
Java™ ME Developer's Library is a complete resource package with introductory, getting started, tutorial, and API level information for developers wishing to use the S60 or the Series 40 platforms for developing mobile Java applications or services. This library is available in HTML format online, as a stand-alone version and as an Eclipse plug-in. Document; Java; English (en)

New Tools and SDKs:

WidSets SDK
The WidSets SDK enables developers to compile, test, and upload WidSets widgets. Application --- Development Tool / Software Development Kit; Web Technology --- WidSets; English (en)

Multiple Drive Support (MDS) Plug-in for the S60 3rd Edition SDK for Symbian OS, Feature Pack 2
The Multiple Drive Support (MDS) Plug-in for the S60 3rd Edition SDK for Symbian OS, Feature Pack 2 enables the creation of applications that can access any user-visible drive on an S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2 or newer device. Application --- Development Tool / Software Development Kit; S60 ... S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2, S60, Symbian C++; English (en)

Open C/C++ Plug-ins for S60 3rd Edition
Open C/C++ plug-ins for S60 3rd Edition provide developers with access to a comprehensive range of standard C/C++ libraries. Application --- Development Tool; Multi-Platform Development, Open C, S60 ... S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 1 / S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2, S60 --- Symbian OS; English (en)

New Devices:

Nokia E66
The Nokia E66 offers excellent personal information management in a slide-phone design. Two customizable home screens let users switch easily between business and personal applications, and the display switches between portrait and landscape when the device is turned. Other features include one-touch keys, 3.2-megapixel camera, up to 8 gigabytes of storage (with a microSD memory card), music player and e-mail support, including Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email among others. Frequency's supported depending on model and region: GSM/EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA 900/2100, HSDPA GSM/EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA 850/2100, HSDPA GSM/EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA 850/1900, HSDPA

Nokia E71
The Nokia E71 is optimized for messaging and e-mail with a full messaging keyboard and two customizable home screens, which let users switch easily between business and personal applications. Other features include one-touch keys, intelligent input (including auto-completion), Nokia Calendar, built-in A-GPS, Nokia Maps, 3.2-megapixel camera, music player and e-mail support, including Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email among others. Frequency's supported depending on model and region: GSM/EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA 900/2100, HSDPA GSM/EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA 850/2100, HSDPA GSM/EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA 850/1900, HSDPA

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