Just as expected, Nokia has released the much awaited Belle OS update for Symbian devices. The update arrives on devices running Symbian Anna OS which includes the Nokia N8, E7, E6, X7, C6-01, C7 and the Nokia Oro.

I just updated the Nokia E6 to the new OS and I must say, the first impressions are pretty good. The phone runs pretty smooth, UI is decent and the new notification bar is darn useful.

Other things Belle brings to the table are six home screens, 30fps support for HD video recording and more.

The update is available only via Nokia Suite.

[Via Nokia Conversations]

Nokia has clung to the Symbian name for almost a decade but it seems all will change with the upcoming Symbian Belle update. Finnish giant will release the Nokia Belle update for its existing phones running Symbian Anna OS.

New “enhanced” versions of Nokia N8, C7 and C6-01 are already pre-installed with Nokia Belle but devices already floating in the market like Nokia N8, E7, E6, X7, C6-01, C7 and Nokia Oro will get the Belle update starting in February 2012.

Belle for starters, comes with six home screens, improved status bar, improved lock screen and more.

[Via Nokia Conversations]

UPDATE: Direct Download Links below.

Apple has released the much awaited iOS 5 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. Users can plug their devices to allow iTunes to search automatically or users can manually click on Check for Update for the latest version.

The iOS 5 is a huge upgrade which now comes with more than 200 features. Some of them includes iCloud support, Notification Center, iMessage, Twitter integration and more.

iOS 5 will come pre-loaded with iPhone 4S and is compatible with both the iPads, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and 3rd and 4th gen iPod touch.

Apple iOS 5

iPad
iPad 2 GSM
iPad 2 CDMA
iPad 2 Wi-Fi
iPod touch 3G
iPod touch 4G
iPhone 3GS
iPhone 4 GSM
iPhone 4 CDMA

[Via Macrumor]

LiMo Foundation and Linux Foundation have come together to develop a new open-source OS called Tizen. Both Foundations have decided to combine their existing operating systems viz. LiMo OS and MeeGo to create Tizen which will be a standards-based, cross-architecture software platform OS.

Tizen will be an open-source OS that will use code from LiMo and MeeGo and also add support for HTML5 and WAC to ensure maximum compatibility across various platforms.

The Linux Foundation will host the Tizen OS with the first SDK expected in Q1 2012 and devices in mid-2012. Tizen supports various devices like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, netbooks, and in-vehicle infotainment devices.

Tizen

Lucky day for Windows developers today. In addition to the detailed preview of Windows 8 OS, Microsoft also announced to give away Samsung tablets running the developer preview version of the OS. The unnamed Samsung tablet is packed with some powerful hardware like Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, 11.6-inch Super PLS display, USB and HDMI port, microSD card slot and free 3G from AT&T.

[Via Sammy Hub]

Microsoft today extensively previewed the upcoming operating system codenamed Windows 8. The new OS shown at the BUILD conference will be like a one OS for all, including PCs, mobile phones and tablets.

Some of the interesting features that you’ll find in the new OS is the Metro Style UI, fully touch optimized interface, App Store support, full compatibility with Windows 7 apps and more.

Microsoft will release the Developer Preview later today at 8PM PST which means Indians will be able to download at 8:30AM IST.

Download Page

Microsoft, for the first time has unveiled the new user interface that will be present in Windows 8. As you can see, the new interface of Windows 8 is heavily influenced by Windows Phone 7 and the reason behind is to make the OS work well on various screen sizes and type (touchscreen or not).

Some of the new improvements you’ll see are Tile-based Start screen, fluid switching of apps, Live Tiles with notifications, HTML5-based apps, hardware-accelerated IE 10 and more. You can check out the video below.

If you’re wondering, apps running on older version of Windows will also continue to work but it’s the new apps that will be able to take advantage of the new features. Moreover, there’s an option to switch to the old Desktop-style, in case you don’t like the Tiles system.

So what do you think? Will this UI overhaul work for the Redmond giant?

Press Release

Apple also announced the newer version of iOS that will be pre-installed in the new iPad 2. The iOS 4.3 will come with many features that will improve the overall experience of users with iOS devices. Few features and improvements include Safari browser is claimed to be more faster due to the integration of new Nitro JavaScript engine, improved iTunes Home Sharing feature and AirPlay enhancements.

Two features that will be specific to iPhone and iPad respectively will be the new Personal Hotspot that will allow iPhone to share its data connection with other Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB-connected devices and the side switch for iPad to either lock the screen rotation or mute the audio.

iOS 4.3 will be available on the iPad 2 but original iPad, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPod touch 3rd and 4th gen users will be able to download the operating system for free from March 11.

Apple iOS 4.3

After weeks of speculation about Nokia’s partnership with Microsoft, both companies have confirmed their affiliation. The specific details of the agreement are still being worked out but it’s confirmed that Nokia will adopt Microsoft’s Windows Phone OS as the main smartphone platform.

Other things that will be integrated under the new agreement:

- Bing and adCenter services in Nokia phones
- Nokia Maps will become a part of Microsoft’s mapping services
- Nokia’s Ovi Store will be integrated with Microsoft Marketplace

Overall, this agreement could help both the companies as Nokia is currently lagging behind the competition due to its mediocre software whereas Microsoft can penetrate into more regions with WP7 due to Nokia’s wide reach.

How this partnership will pan out in the future will be an interesting thing to see but here are assuring words from both the parties.

“Together, we see the opportunity, and we have the will, the resources and the drive to succeed.”

At a press conference yesterday, Google announced couple of news related to Chrome. The first being the Chrome Web Store. It’s an app store for your browser with all the web apps, extensions and themes. The Chrome Web Store is now available to consumers and though Google claims the store is online only in the United States, I can visit (from India) and download apps from the Web Store.

Another exciting announcement was about the Chrome OS. Google has confirmed that first Chrome OS notebooks will be available from the first half of 2011. There are no details on the notebooks but Acer and Samsung will be the first manufacturers to roll out the Chrome OS-enabled devices.

However, for consumers who can’t wait to try out the OS, Google has announced a pilot program wherein they’ll give a Chrome OS notebook to pilot users. Google will provide Cr-48 notebook to selected users that features a 12.1-inch screen, full-size keyboard, trackpad, 3G from Verizon, Wi-Fi and battery life of up to 8 hours.

Chrome OS Pilot Program

[Via Chrome Blog]