A selection of Nokia’s Symbian phones can now be updated to a very smooth looking new version of software entitled ‘Belle’. Originally known as Symbian Belle before Nokia changed the name to ‘Nokia Belle’, the new software brings a great looking simplified user interface and more.
The update is now available to those who have the following Symbian-based mobiles: Nokia N8, Nokia E7, Nokia E6, Nokia X7, Nokia C6-01, Nokia C7, and Nokia Oro. The Nokia 500 will be getting the update slightly later, “within the next few weeks”, according to Nokia.
Nokia’s focus has been on the look and user interface with Belle. You now have six homescreens which you can customise with widgets, icons and apps, just like with Android. Widgets include live updating options for weather and time, and can be easily moved around from screen to screen using a long tap and drag method.
Belle also brings new features to the phones mentioned above. For instance, new camera applications which include HD video recording functionality land on some phones. We can see this being ideal for phones with great cameras like the Nokia N8.
The update also brings a fresh and improved web browser which Nokia says is more competent with online videos and interactive elements than any other Symbian browser before it. As we mentioned before, simplicity is the key with Belle, and Nokia has taken that ethos further than the user interface. Menus and settings have also been shortened and simplified to make things easier for the user.
Finally, new productivity apps from Microsoft are bundled in, as we’ve highlighted before. Users will be able to download apps such as OneNote to allow them to take their work with them on the go.
The software update file itself is pretty big, so Nokia won’t be sending it out over the air. To get to grips with Belle you’ll need to plug your phone into your PC using a USB cable and update using Nokia Suite (which you can download here).
Users in India, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Poland, UK, Germany, Italy, Vietnam and Indonesia can get the update today, with more availability in further countries to come in the next few weeks.
Have you already updated to Belle? Let us know your thoughts via our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.