The company said that the new release supports WAP 1.2 and advanced Bluetooth, as well as all the building blocks to create services and applications for wireless devices running on 2.5G networks.

"The ‘always on’ nature of 2.5G networks presents the wireless industry with a great opportunity to develop mobile data services that add value to today’s voice only mobile phones,’ said Colly Myers, Symbian’s CEO. Device manufacturers now see the "Symbian platform v6.1 as the de facto standard and the company is looking to working closely with wireless network operators and content and service providers who can provide additional value" for next generation mobile phones, he added.

In a move to further the development of its software platform, Symbian also announced partnerships with some of the leaders in the industry. Through these alliances, the company is seeking to provide seamless connectivity solutions for both consumers and corporate users of next generation mobile devices.

Initial members of the connectivity partner program include Aether Systems, Inc., fusionOne, Inc., Pumatech, Inc., and Starfish Software, Inc. Symbian will work with these companies on the marketing and development of wireless connectivity technologies for Symbian-enabled devices.