UK firm helps launch Symbian browser technology

Symbian is turning to UK company, STNC as it works to integrate Web browser technology into its software for next-generation mobile devices.

STNC's software will allow text-only browsing on low-end phones and miniature, graphical browsers on more advanced communication devices.

Symbian came into being last summer when Psion - specialist in handheld computers - teamed up with Ericsson, Motorola and Nokia to develop its 32bit Epoc operating system (OS).

The aim of its partnership with the Bury St Edmonds firm is to add functionality to the well-respected Epoc OS as competition in the market heats up over the next few years. Microsoft - with its Windows CE OS - will increasingly focus on the lucrative mobile market, and the company has already identified Psion as a long-term threat because of its mobile expertise.

A spokeswoman for STNC said: "The Symbian deal is a major design win for us and it means we'll provide the standard Web browser for Epoc. But we will still try to do deals for as many platforms as possible."

Colly Myers, Symbian's CEO, highlighted the efficiency of STNC's technology in environments with limited memory and microprocessor resources.

A spokesman added: "It's all about growing the [Epoc] platform in terms of appropriate technologies."

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.