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Flexibility and the S60 user interface

The S60 UI has been designed so that it remains consistent and familiar throughout new releases. Flexibility is therefore a key element of the platform.

Differentiation by device manufacturer

Different markets and user segments around the world have specific tastes and needs when it comes to the size, form or input methods of a device. A product’s specific look and functionality also varies according to segment. S60’s UI differentiation capabilities are an efficient and effective way to produce differentiated devices.

S60 supports various form factors and interaction methods - from one hand to two hand usage. The core functionalities of S60 are designed to be usable with one hand. However, two hand use is also possible, especially helpful for typing long emails and using other office functionalities. Devices can either have a traditional T-9 keyboard or touch screen. The design can be optimized for portrait or/and landscape modes and the number of HW keys can be optimized according to the product’s design target.

S60 also supports a variety of output and input methods, from soft key based interaction to touch screen, voice commands and sensor interactions. Combinations of these methods are available in order to provide flexibility for device creation and also for end users with differing needs. And of course S60 provides efficient tools and features to design and manage product-specific differentiation elements. These can be used to modify settings, select functionalities or design new product specific content, such as 3D UIs.

S60 has designed various ways to optimize the UI for operators. Being able to choose your own functionalities, communicating your brand message and supporting users are areas that can be fine-tuned together with device manufacturers. Operator optimization therefore results in a unique design which supports the operator’s business model.

Operators can choose their own functionalities - from smaller features such as the news ticker in active idle or more specific applications such as widgets. Rich graphical themes can be used to communicate and strengthen the brand, including icons, wallpapers, screensavers, font sizes, CLI images, animations, ring tones and alarm sounds. In addition, UI animations can also be modified (such as start up and shut down animations and UI transition animations).

Providing adequate user support is equally important. Giving users fast access to important services is beneficial because it boosts the usage of the service. S60 provides plenty of possibilities in this area - from customized soft key commands and operator menus to adding the operator home page to the browser.

Device personalization

Being able to personalize your device to better suit your needs and taste is nowdays considered business as usual. S60 doesn’t disappoint in this arena. S60 offers a huge amount of flexibility when it comes to customizing your device including a wide choise of applications, games and graphical themes. Thanks to S60, your mobile device can now be used as a dictionary, travel guide, photo editor, sports diary or to play a huge variety of mobile games. There are thousands of applications to enjoy. What's best - the choise is yours! Find out more from www.s60.com/life/thisiss60 »