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Nokia plans Symbian overhaul and Maemo 6 mobile computer for 2010

An overhaul of the Symbian operating system that powers many of its smartphones and the release of a handset based on the Linux-derived Maemo were two of the main plans for 2010 unveiled by Nokia at its Capital Markets Day this week.

The mobile phone giant's CEO, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, said next year will see Nokia "drive user experience improvements", adding: "The progress we make will take the Symbian user interface to a new level".

Nokia believes it can maintain – and possibly increase – its 38 per cent share of the mobile devices market with a redesigned Symbian and a successor to the N900 mobile computer.

"As an operating system, Symbian has reach and flexibility like no other platform, and we have measures in place to push smartphones down to new price points globally, while growing margins," explained the company's chief executive.

His optimism defies criticism that has been levelled at Nokia, based on claims its smartphones lack the user-friendliness of the Apple iPhone and RIM's Blackberry.

At this week's event Nokia's representatives also predicted that, following a slump this year, 2010 will see a ten per cent increase in mobile phone sales by all handset manufacturers.