The latest version of the world's most prevalent smart phone operating system, Symbian, has added native support for WiFi connectivity (in additional to the traditional cellular) as well as support for connection to USB devices.
Why is this of interest to the education sector?
Well, the Symbian operating system is found in the majority of mobile phones. The new version of Symbian and its user interface counterpart
UIQ only requires a single CPU processor in a smart phone to handle both the telephone and multimedia functions which means that such devices are inherently less expensive than devices using alternative operating systems that require 2 CPU's (one for telephony, the other for multimedia). This means that current "mid-tier" or mass-market mobile phones will get smarter for less. Add WiFi and USB connectivity, Opera and Flash based browsers and there are potentially going to be a lot of inexpensive learning platforms that don't rely solely on a cellular (mobile) connection but could integrate into existing wireless networks or at least switch between the two when required, e.g. if a learner doesn't have an internet connection at home.
Symbian has released version 9.3 of its operating system for smartphones, promising improved performance and shorter boot-up times for phones and applications.
Version 9.3 adds native support for USB 2.0 connections and the next-generation HSDPA wireless technology.
The software introduces native support for Wi-Fi radio and offers Unlicensed Mobile Access technology allowing the phone to switch between cellular and Wi-Fi networks using inexpensive VoIP technology.
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Symbian:
http://www.symbian.com/
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