Nokia Developer News

Every year at Nokia World– on stage and in demo stations – our team features developers who have introduced innovative new apps and games throughout the year. You can see videos from this year’s featured developers in our YouTube channel. With Nokia World 2011 kicking off today, we thought it was also an appropriate time to use this platform to call out some of the great work our developer partners have been doing all year, all around the world.

This year was a big one for Nokia developers – we had more than a dozen app developers hit download numbers over the 20M mark! With the introduction of two new Windows Phone devices  and four new Series 40 phones  today, this is just the beginning for developing with Nokia. With today’s news, we’re doubling down on our commitment to giving developers the strongest platforms for engaging with their customers and the best possible support – technical, marketing and community – for their businesses.

Don’t just take our word for it. Hear it from this elite group of developers that’s hit, or in some cases blazed right past the 20 million download mark for their apps in Nokia Store.

• Offscreen – They are leading the charge with more than 80 million downloads for games, utilities and media apps. Offscreen has been working with Nokia since the early 2000s and is amazed by the reach of the Nokia platform into thriving mobile tech regions such as China and India.
• Pico Brothers – A Qt developer now boasting more than 56M downloads, Pico Brothers have created more than 65 apps that are available in the Nokia Store, from entertainment and utilities to sports.

According to Nick Karlstrom, co-founder of Pico Brothers, their new Talking Cat application in the Store has been reviewed by users more than 1,200 times, and is downloaded more than 100,000 times per day on S60 5.0 devices. “We create apps that people want to have – and the downloads have followed.”

• Electronic Arts – With more than 37M downloads in the Nokia Store, EA games use the Symbian, Series 40 and Windows Phone platforms to pack the thrills of console gaming into the palm of your hand.
• Lunagames – With more than 34M downloads, this developer capitalized on worldwide reach and popularity with casual games and social networking to expand into new categories such as dictionary and translation. Additionally, they facilitate competition among users from 200 countries around the world.
• HeroCraft – HeroCraft's catalogue of award-winning mobile games and apps have elevated the company's downloads to more than 33M total downloads from the Nokia Store. HeroCraft apps are available in nearly 200 countries.
• Gameloft – More than 28M game downloads for popular titles including Assassin’s Creed™, Hero of Sparta and GT Racing: Motor Academy. 
• Indiagames – Indian games developer with more than 27M downloads in the Nokia Store. 
• Digital Chocolate – This games developer grew from 4M to 25M+ downloads in the Nokia Store from April 2010 to October 2011 with games including Tower Bloxx: New York, Rollercoaster Rush Revolution 99 Tracks, Crazy Penguin Party, Nightclub Fever, and Dictator Defense.
• Opera Software – Achieved 24M+ downloads with the various versions of their Opera web browser app.
• Mail-Bit – Four gaming and social networking apps reached downloads of 22M+ around the world.
• eBuddy – eBuddy’s more than 20M users spend the equivalent of more than 2,000 years per month on the messaging app, which is available on Symbian and Series 40, as well as Windows Phone devices.
• ThinkChange – ThinkChange uses a variety of Nokia's sensory and gesture technologies to create imaginative and entertaining interface apps. The company has received over 20M free and paid downloads in the Nokia Store from consumers in more than 190 countries.

Look for more success stories in the Nokia Publisher success cases blog from those app developers listed above, and the many more who areactively working on new apps for all of Nokia’s phones after this week’s exciting news from London.

And if you’re interested in learning more about distributing your apps through Nokia, check out the Distribute section of Nokia Developer. 

Here at Nokia World 2011 in London, 18 developers and publishers are demonstrating their latest mobile apps - many of them for Windows Phone. Among them will be such well-known brands as Groupon, Electronic Arts, Foursquare, MSN, and British Airways. Some smaller but equally innovative companies will be demonstrating their wares, too. Here’s a sampling of the 18 demos:

• CNN, the international news network, is giving demos of its CNN mobile app on the Windows Phone platform. The app offers a sleek news feed with customizable content across 12 categories, including video on demand and CNN Live.
• Halfbrick Studio is showing its popular Fruit Ninja game on Windows Phone. Swipe your finger across the screen to splash and splatter fruit!
• PopCap is showing their hit game Plants vs. Zombies on the new Windows Phone. 
• HRS is showing its Hotel Reservation System app running on Windows Phone. The app lets users search and reserve rooms in more than 250,000 hotels worldwide. 
• Groupon is showing its popular discount coupon application running on the Windows Phone platform. The app lets users get discounts as high as 90 per cent off food, entertainment, activities, and goods.
• Seesmic is demonstrating its CRM for Salesforce running on Windows Phone. This social app helps salespeople get information about their prospects while on the road.
• Syntonetic Media Solutions is demonstrating its Moodagent app running on Windows Phone. This app lets consumers match their music to their mood by creating playlists from both their local music library and online sources.

Check out the full Nokia World 2011 agenda.
http://events.nokia.com/nokiaworld/agenda.html

Developers know they've come to the right conference session when the presenter does NOT fire up a PowerPoint deck. In Pimp Your UI during Qt Developer Days in Munich Johannes Zellner built his entire presentation in QML. Some of the presentation was even live-coded in front of the audience. Developers ready to build on what Johannes presented don't need to cut and paste snippets from his slides, they can download the entire Qt Quick application from Gitorious.

The presentation covered sophisticated techniques that are possible without any custom coding beyond the basic use of QML elements that ship with current Qt versions.

Demos will full source code included:

• Fading "day" to "night" in response to a mouse click using the smooth property of an Image element to transition between two images.
• Adding interest to a menu by animating icons for shutdown, sleep, logoff, and lock along a path defined as a series of Bézier curves using PathView and related elements. 
• Polishing transitions using EasingCurves to elminate abrupt starts and stops during a movement. 

For all the details of the presentation download Johannes' demo application.

Also check out Symbian Design Guidelines and Nokia N9 UX Guidelines  to achieve the best possible user experience for Nokia devices when using the Qt Quick components.

The Hackathon competition for developers is in full swing at Nokia World this week. Competitors in the contest this year come from an international array of large services firms (including Tieto and ICS); local/regional developers (IronBit, Wyztec); well-known games makers (Halfbrick); and even individuals (such as Tonny Katongole).

The competitors got to work last night and have a total of 40 hours to create an app from an idea submitted to the Nokia IdeasProject, and they can submit their app for use on up to three platforms: Windows Phone, Qt, and Series 40. Winners of this year’s Hackathon will share more than 150,000 euros in cash and prizes, and the top three apps will be presented in live demos at the Nokia World finale on 27 October.

What are the developers working on now?

With less than 20 hours to go before they must submit their final apps, all of the developers are hard at work. Here’s a sample:

Peter Lindgren, from Visiarc, whose company is better known for its enterprise software, said their team is working on a multi-player, turned-based game that tests your doodling skills, noting that this will be their first app for Windows Phone.

Simon Botes, from AppCraft, said his team is working on a preschool aid Web App – which was a winning idea he submitted to the IdeasProject – specifically for use on Series 40 phones.

And Ana-Stefania Rades, is here with a team for Namco Bandai working on a game called “Paper Soccer” for both Qt and Windows Phone that can be played in a multiplayer mode between phones.

Meet the teams competing in Hackathon:

• Dadiaus Misiani: Based in Kenya, Dadiaus is the lead developer for MobiserveWebs, an IT development company that provides web and mobile application-development services across a number of mobile platforms.
• Futurice: This Helsinki-based software agency offers consulting, design, development, and training to help customers develop their digital business. It builds both consumer and business-critical enterprise services for customers from a wide variety of industries.
• Halfbrick: Founded in 2001, Australia-based Halfbrick is now expanding its portfolio with a range of independently released games for downloadable platforms.
• HappyDigital: This Istanbul-based developer offers mobile applications and interactive services.
• ICS: Integrated Computer Solutions, based in Bedford, Massachussets, is the largest independent supplier of professional services, training, and add-on products for Nokia’s Qt developer framework.
• iMobileCode: Headquartered in Turkey, iMobileCode specializes in mobile application development across multiple platforms. ITs team of software engineers provide solutions for a wide range of marketing needs.
• IronBit: This Mexico-based company specializes in web and mobile applications. 
• KSF Technologies: Based in Kiev, Ukraine, this software-development company has been providing our services worldwide since 1992.
• Mobifusion: From its headquarters in Silicon Valley, Mobifusion leverages its patented, cross-platform technologies to fuse traditional media with operator and device manufacturer opportunities. 
• Namco Bandai: A leading publisher and developer of wireless games and content that provide instant fun on the go. 
• Persistent Systems: Established in 1990, this India-based company has more than 5,000 employees and specializes in software product development services. 
• Tieto: Based in Finland, Tieto is a leading IT service company in Northern Europe, providing IT and product-engineering services. 
• Tikle: Turkey’s leading provider for mobile-lifestyle services. The company creates cutting-edge applications and services for mobile information and entertainment solutions.
• Tonny Katongole: Tonny is a Uganda-based developer who has created several successful J2ME apps for the Nokia Store.
• Viafo: Founded in 2010, this Seattle-based company’s technology lowers the cost of building and maintaining interesting and compelling mobile and connected applications. Viafo specializes in building social, cross-platform apps.
• Visiarc: Founded in 2002, this Sweden-based mobile-cloud company develops mobile technology with a focus on security and usability, including its award-winning Mobile Documents mobile email system.
• Wyztec: This privately held Danish start-up company develops useful and exciting location-based mobile applications.
• WALI: This Chinese mobile-development company has created many successful and popular applications for the Chinese market across multiple mobile platforms.

The top three teams will demo their apps during the closing ceremonies of Nokia World tomorrow, at which time the winning app will also be announced. We'll bring you that story tomorrow.

Apps for the new Nokia with Windows Phone products will use Windows Marketplace for distribution to consumers. This requires the publisher to be registered with App Hub and use a Windows Live ID to submit apps.

We have great news about joining App Hub:

For qualified Nokia publishers, Microsoft is offering a rebate for the first year of App Hub membership ($99 USD). If you are eligible for this promotion, you will receive an e-mail in early November 2011 detailing the next steps.

With the final release of Windows Phone 7.5, there are 19 new additional countries in which you can distribute your apps, bringing the global total to 38; and Nokia with Windows Phone products will be offered in most of these markets.  Windows Marketplace has also been extended with a web interface, which will provide increased customer visibility and drive more sales of apps.  You will get better ad targeting within your apps too, through the Microsoft Ad SDK.

For more information on Windows Marketplace and App Hub membership, see the Windows Phone Marketplace FAQ.

If you are new to our publishing system, please take the time to register now.

The keynote by Nokia CEO Stephen Elop at Nokia World this morning did not disappoint: Six new phones were unveiled – including four Series 40 mobile phones, and the first of Nokia's two new Windows Phones, the Nokia Lumia 800 and Nokia Lumia 710.

There was a palpable sense of excitement in the completely packed ExCel Centre in London, and Elop’s delivery only furthered the excitement as he demonstrated the “New Now” Nokia devices.

"Eight months ago, we shared our new strategy and today we are demonstrating clear progress of this strategy in action,” said Elop. “We're driving innovation throughout our entire portfolio, from new smartphone experiences to ever smarter mobile phones.” He added: “From the Nokia Lumia 800 to the Nokia Asha 201, we are bringing compelling new products to the market faster than ever before. I'm incredibly proud of these new devices - and the people of Nokia who have made this happen."

Nokia with Windows Phone

For developers this means that a new realm of opportunity is now upon us. With the new Windows Phone devices starting to hit shops this year and with a continual global roll-out over the next six months, we will see the opportunity for developers to reach this new exciting ecosystem continue to evolve and grow.

Near the end of his keynote, Elop brought us a live view of the factory in Salo, Finland ...

In the factory, the new Nokia Lumia 800 was being packed into boxes for shipping today to France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK in November, with 31 leading operators and retailers who will provide unprecedented marketing support in those countries. Take a look at one of the commercials for the new campaign:

After all, as Elop said during his speech, Lumia means light, and signals a “new dawn” for Nokia calling them the “first real Windows Phones.”

Series 40

Mr. Elop also introduced four new mobile phones – under the brand “Asha” which is Hindi for ‘hope’ – feature stylish design, a rich social experience and location-aware technology. The Nokia Asha 300, Nokia Asha 303, Nokia Asha 200 and Nokia Asha 201 blur the line between smartphones and feature phones, offering QWERTY and touch screen experiences, combined with fast and easy access to the Internet, integrated social networking, messaging and world-class applications from the Nokia Store.  

These phones clearly demonstrate the opportunity for developers, just as the Nokia Store serves as a fantastic distribution platform for mobile apps. Elop stated that Nokia Store now has more than 10 million downloads per day, and there are 175 developers who have each exceeded 1 million downloads from the Store, too.

More information about all of the new Nokia phones announced this morning at Nokia World is also available:

• Series 40 adds four Nokia phones for today's connected consumer
• Nokia Lumia 800 and 710 usher in era of new opportunities

To get started building apps for these amazing new devices, check out the device specifications pages.

Today we announced our first Windows Phone devices, the Nokia Lumia 800 and the Nokia Lumia 710. These gorgeous smartphones, along with the great features found in  Windows Phone 7.5 software signal a new era of opportunities from Nokia, as well as for you to create amazing everyday experiences.

As Nokia CEO Steven Elop said during his keynote speech at Nokia World this morning, Lumia means 'light', and signals a "new dawn" for Nokia calling them the "first real Windows Phones."

The Nokia Lumia 800 and Nokia Lumia 710 will start shipping in early November in a number of select markets. Nokia and Microsoft are working in hand with operators and other partners to raise the visibility of Windows Phone devices to consumers. Through unprecedented retail support and marketing campaigns, you can expect to see the Nokia Lumia 800 and Nokia Lumia 710 smartphones in the hands of millions of consumers. The Nokia Lumia 800 will retail for 420 euros; and the Nokia Lumia 710 will be priced at 270 euros.

While these phones offer uniquely people-centric experiences, with the striking Metro UI and feature differentiation that only Windows Phone brings, there is a noticeable brilliance that is built upon Nokia hardware. The Nokia Lumia 800 is a stylish aspirational smartphone with such features as Carl Zeiss autofocus camera and HD video, 3.7” AMOLED clear black display. The Nokia Lumia 710 delivers an attractively simple, durable and affordable smartphone with a large 3.7” LCD clear black display.     

Both of these smartphones offer developers high performance with 1.4 Ghz Snapdragon CPU and 3D accelerated graphics processor. API access to camera, plus a variety of sensors such as gyro, compass, proximity and motion enable developers to offer innovative experiences.  The use of the Microsoft Advertising SDK and available operator billing will ensure solid monetization benefits for your development plans.

You will be able to develop apps for Windows Phone with the proven C# and XAML frameworks. Metro UI and Fast App Switching delivers an elegant user experience. Windows Phone 7.5 features such as App Connect, Live Tiles and Bing Search assure intuitive apps discovery. If games are your thing you can create rich graphical, high performance games on Windows Phone — as well as Xbox. And the improved IE9 browser in Windows Phone means you can deliver compelling web experiences too.

By publishing your apps to the Microsoft Marketplace, your content will be available to the entire ecosystem of Windows Phone users; and we will help you to get your apps there faster. For qualified Nokia publishers, together with Microsoft we are offering you a rebate for the first year of App Hub membership.

To learn more about developing for the Nokia Lumia 800 and Nokia Lumia 710, please have a look at the new device specifications pages.

We were thrilled to see four new Nokia Series 40 phones announced this morning at Nokia World. They are the Nokia 200 Asha, Nokia Asha 201, Nokia Asha 300, and Nokia Asha 303. All four are based on the Series 40 developer platform and the two primary development environments (Java and Web Apps); and these phones are truly app-ready, like the entire Series 40 platform.  

Here are the highlights:

Nokia Asha 200 and Nokia Asha 201: These fun, colourful, and affordable phones are packed with entertainment features, easy access to social media and email, a 240 x 320 display, QWERTY keypad, 2 megapixel camera, FM radio with recording, Flash Lite 3.0, the Nokia Browser, and a memory card storage of up to 32 GB. The Nokia 200 adds Easy-Swap Dual SIM support. Both the Nokia Asha 200 and Nokia Asha 201 are expected to retail for 60 euros.

Nokia Asha 300: This compact phone features Nokia’s Touch and Type user interface, which lets consumers use both a keypad and a touchscreen, as well as great features for social networking, messaging, and gaming. Users have fast access to messaging, email and instant messaging from the home screen and can swipe to access apps, music or games from the Nokia Store.  We saw today during the morning keynote presentation that the Nokia Asha 300 also arrives preloaded with the popular Angry Birds game. The phone includes a QWERTY keypad; 240 x 320 touchscreen display; fast 1 GHz processor; 5-megapixel Full-Focus camera; Flash Lite 3.0; and memory card storage of up to 32 GB. Wi-Fi connectivity means consumers stay connected to their chats, social networks, email, and more. It will retail for 85 euros.

Nokia 303: This slim and stylish phone features Nokia’s Touch and Type user interface, which combines a full QWERTY keypad with a 2.6-inch capacitive touchscreen; a 240 x 320 display; 3.2-megapixel Full-Focus camera; fast 1 GHz processor; social networking integration; Flash Lite 3.0; and memory card storage of up to 32 GB. One-touch access to social networks, email, instant messaging, and the internet lets consumers easily stay in touch. The Nokia 303 is also the first Series 40 phone that lets consumers play Angry Birds and other fun and exciting applications. The Nokia 303 is expected to retail for 115 euros.

It is worth noting that around 30 per cent of Nokia Store downloads come from users of Series 40 phones today. If you are developing apps for Series 40 phones today – or if you are thinking about starting – the addition of these new phones to Nokia’s line-up should convince you that there is a real opportunity when it comes to developing mobile apps for this platform.

Strategy Analytics says 90 per cent of mobile phone users want apps – and now we have devices that can truly deliver on those aspirations.

We have seen massive spikes in downloads driven by the great apps, great store UX, and removal of barriers to the use of Nokia Store. Series 40 owners are using apps and downloading premium content like games – we know that developers can generate revenues from this platform. Now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity and get started developing new content for Series 40.

Check out the device specifications for more information – and inspiration!

• Nokia 200
• Nokia 201
• Nokia 300
• Nokia 303