Been wondering about Nokia's strategy for conquering the rapidly expanding app space? Great! So were we, which is why we joined up with a recent dev event carried out by the Finnish company for an update on how and where things are going. It's a familiar narrative by this point:
Qt is all set to become
the way that Nokia-friendly apps are made -- whether it be for
Symbian smartphones or
MeeGo-powered mobile computers, coffee machines or
infotainment consoles. Nokia did stress that its developer workflow has also been streamlined dramatically, and promised coders a better distilled experience that treats their time and money like the valuable commodities that they are. It's an encouragingly frank discussion of where things have gone wrong in the past and how Espoo intends to remedy them in the future, and we've got it all on video for you after the break -- no reading required!
Start - Streamlining the developer workflow.
03:05 - Design center tools.
04:16 - Devices and platforms, clarified.
05:24 - Background on Qt.
06.56 - Cross-platform development using Qt SDK.
11:00 - Nokia Smart Installer and app distribution.
12:35 - Qt QUICK (Qt User Interface Creation Kit).
17:00 - Publishing to Ovi Store and app signing.
posted August 5th 2010 6:22AM
I just started coding with Qt and it's actually a very neat framework. Just need to brush up on my C++ and I'll be right on track to easy cross-platform software development for Nokia mobiles.
@shockr It's interesting that (5:12) they show Java apps only crossing the phone/smartphone domain, and native apps between smartphone/computer. Why don't they feel that the Java apps could cross all domains?
@RincewindWiz I guess it's probably due to the fact that with Java, you've got Java ME (mobile edition) which only contains a subset of Java SE (the standard edition for computers, etc.) which ultimately means you have to write different code for mobiles and desktops.
Then you have JSRs (Java Specification Requests). Different phones support a different set of these features so you may also have to write different code to handle this situation.
Qt uses the same API across all phones and platforms, so you only write your code once and simply recompile for the different target platforms.
@RincewindWiz Because different Java interpreters interpret Java... differently. For example, if you try running a Java program on the desktop, it might become a full-screen yet almost void application that offers no visible way to close it (because you'd use a hardware button on a phone to close it). Scary!
Additionally, different phones have different APIs on top of Java, meaning that what will run on one will need lots of work to make it work with another phone. Once more, getting it to run on the desktop would either mean porting the phone's libraries(/version of Java interpreter) to the various desktop operating systems or a complete re-write, which defeats the point of writing in Java. Qt seeks to mitigate that problem by providing a comprehensive toolkit that provides libraries for almost everything. You package the libraries you need with the app when you package it for the various platforms and you can get guaranteed compatibility (you can also choose to use the system's version of those libraries if the system provides one version of Qt for the whole system, e.g. in Linux Desktop systems and in smartphones).
Another benefit is that it isn't just restricted to C++ - there are various bindings to Qt for various different languages, including Ruby, Python, Java and even Javascript.
i might have been more convinced if the girl was more sexy.
otherwise QT is a good framework anyway, i sort of hope you'll be able to use bindings as well for other languages
@The Madman Thanks for the explanation, that makes sense.
@shockr can you help and also make a threaded messaging app for symbian v3 fp2 or which can be used on NOKIA E72.
i like an app which does exactly what i want but its not on ovi store. its called Free-iSMS. its a brilliant app but i dont know how to get it or where to get it from since its not in ovi store.
Please HELP
@shockr
i just came home from my first c++ exam, i can help you out:
class Nokia
{
private:
int price;
double display_size;
char* os;
bool touchscreen;
public:
int get_price( );
double get_display_size( );
void set_os ( char* os);
void set_touchscreen (bool touchscreen);
} ;
Now code the rest and start making money, dont forget to thank me
*LOL*
@timmyjan
It's easy to find it with some searching. I believe version 1.03 is the last free version.
But then you have to sign it, because the developer didn't do it. There are instructions and a few different methods to sign Symbian apps. I found this one, which should be good, give it a try:
http://dailymobile.se/2010/01/31/guide-how-to-get-instant-certificate-for-symbian-devices-opda-cn/
@timmyjan
It's easy to find it with some searching. I believe version 1.03 is the last free version.
But then you have to sign it, because the developer didn't do it. There are instructions and a few different methods to sign Symbian apps. I found this one, which should be good, give it a try:
http://dailymobile.se/2010/01/31/guide-how-to-get-instant-certificate-for-symbian-devices-opda-cn/
Too little, too late.
Nokia had their chance to jump on the Android bandwagon, now it's sailed without them leaving them high and dry with nothing but mixed metaphors.
@usedtowork
They can jump to Android when ever they want. Just like everyone else.
I honestly hope they won't though. Symbian is far better for low end and when comparing with Maemo/MeeGo, Android doesn't stand a chance.
@RincewindWiz I have no idea.
I am pretty sure they can't run azureus on nokia phone, hell I can't even get it to run properly on my dual core PC.
@shockr
The Japanese know the way of the Samari!
@Rev Yeah, tell that to Nokia shareholders who have lost 75% of their share value in the past 10 years.
Put a fork in them, the fat lady has sung.
@Rev I don't think Nokia needs to go Android, they are outselling all of the competition, including Android, Symbian itself is powerfull enough to compete against Android, and MeeGo is powerfull enough to compete Windows or MacOS. The only "problem" symbian has is UI, and they are working on that, since all the other needed stuff they already had it since 2003 (copy and paste, java, flash, mms, sms, mail, you name it)
Many of the people who claims "Symbian looks old" not even had a symbian or used one before, even more frustrating, they don't have good arguments of why is old, is not like comparing DOS to Windows. People wants "magic" which means nice transitions and colors, is just work for a graphic designer to improve the look of Symbian, and remember that symbian is fully changable thanks to themes and QT UI
hmmm ... not the best presentation
@DeviantmacG Thought so too, though she is kinda cute in a geeky way.
Is that a TV stuck to a bulletin board?
@DeviantmacG Presentation should show working code, instead of "Relevant! Personalized! For the people!" slogans. They need to talk to developers, not managers.
@suncho yeah, because the devs would be very glad to see "hello world" written in c++...
i never knew nokia made tv's ?
@oringal Actually they used to make tv's but stopped in the 90's. They were good tv's, but they didn't make profit of it so they pulled out of the pc and tv business. That's just a customized tv in the video.
@DeviantmacG I thought there were not going to be any powerpoints at that meeting!... :)
Qt is a breeze to develop in, after struggling with Symbian C++. I do not currently own a MeeGo (or Maemo) phone, but its definitely cool that any app I write can run on a MeeGo/Maemo phone, with just a re-compile.
she's a geek
Uh, can't they ditch this crap and just go with Android? If you really hate Google, then rip out the proprietary Google stuff like Google maps, google app store etc. It's possible to do it .. look at CyanogenMod .. or actually Nokia, hire CyanogenMod.
@JS Nokia is not going with Symbian and MeeGo because they "hate Google". It is because their solutions are technically superior, and they are now busy plugging the remaining holes (modern UI, developer-friendliness, marketing).
@JS
No, mainly because this development platform was a combination between Intel and Nokia and it would be a waste for a company to spill all of that money into an OS only for them to abandon it (ala Kin). If anything, it seems like porting Apps from iOS to MeeGo shouldn't be all of a problem (in theory), meaning more multi-platform applications. If anything Android should adopt C++ C# and or Objective C so more developers can code using one language and port over multiple platforms.
Now if you said why couldn't they use MeeGo for everything on the Nokia platform, now THAT I can see some explanation. However, it seems like you can port between Symbian and MeeGo so it should be a non-issue.
@JS The reason why Nokia wants to have its own operating system is not that they feel that Google is not good or that they hate google, but that as everybody should know by now is that the hardware of phones is becoming less important and the UI and os are becoming more important. Soon nobody is buying a Motorola or a HTC, but an "android" or an "winmo 7".
As a result of this it would be hard to sustain brand loyalty or brand value. As an example :Microsoft is big and rich because it makes windows, not because it made pc:s.
recap: hardware: less important, software: the future.
Hopefully you all get my point:)
@JS, there are significant advantages for going with a true GNU/Linux environment in comparison to Android, here, educate yourself: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/nokias-treatment-of-meego-smartphone-ui-revealed/comments/29662247/
@AKBlade13 Even if that's a huge mistake long term? And their market share will drop in half because of that? Just because they invested in the wrong decision doesn't mean they shouldn't kill it if it's going to lead to the downfall of their company. They should do the right move.
http://nextparadigms.com/2010/07/11/should-nokia-choose-android-over-meego/
@JS why would Nokia go with an OS only 2-3 years old when they have a platform that is mature (Maemo) combined with the largest chip maker (Intel), along with a framework that has been around for almost 20 years (Qt started in 1991). Nokia is definitely licking their chops to jump on the Android wagon after they have a huge deal to develop MeeGo with Intel, framework with Nokia Qt SDKs -- note to the Android lovers: Nokia will not be ditching their highly successful and mature OS for Android --- ever.
@Lucian Armasu
Asking Nokia to go Android now is like asking Toyota (in a bit of trouble lately) to became a Ford (in a strong comeback) dealer. Just a monumentally stupid idea.
They may go that route if ever their global marketshare becomes single digit. But not now.
@Lucian Armasu
LOL! Actually this strategy is *exactly* what Nokia needs for the long-term. In that perspective, Android is crippled with its Java like language and total dependence on a VM. For Android to break out of its current performance limitations they will need to reinvent VMs and languages completely - something I don't see happening any time soon despite Ken Thompson's valiant efforts.
Nokia's strategy seems to be coming together...2011-2012 is the year to watch for them. Also gives a feel of why Nokia is not like RIM or Sammy or LG - they actually see far enough not to be stuck as a hardware phone vendor (which is also a reason why they will never go with Android in their current dominant albeit diminished position). iPhone's peak has come and gone, now it is Android's peak but if you look at either of them, they do not have any long-term competing strategies yet. So when Android's peak passes, what will happen? Actually what I see in the future is not Nokia jumping on the Android bandwagon but rather Android jumping on the Qt bandwagon.
@Lucian Armasu
nice article, but you overlooked alot of long term strategy and went with short term gains. People would've begged for a Nokia with iOS, but look how its losing share now, just 3 years later. The same can happen to Android. But Nokia has a better idea. Read my article on the matter:
http://www.symbian-freak.com/news/010/07/why_symbian_and_meego_are_best_for_nokia_1.htm
@kenosando
Well, maybe beacuse chipzilla (Intel that is) has yet to deliver something that stands a chance in power consumprion angainst ARM... And for starters UI will be hardware accelerated when using QT in nokias while android is still not, probably will yield longer battery life. I'd buy a Captivate if it could be unlocked though... but as things are, Nokia N8 will be released before the Captivate is unlocked so bye bye android for me it is, stoopid carriers prevent the adoption for us :(
unprofessional Presentation.
@irav this wasn't a Steve Jobs keynote, mayne. Go back to your cave now.
@kenosando buddy do you think this is proper official way of doing the presentataion? n the tone... WHAT? n where did steve Jobs came from here?!... you guyzz!!! just can't get those stuffs out of your head!!
I definitely Don't know any cave.. but its better that shit-bone-head like to stay n not to come out from your F-word Cave!
You desperate Wild!!
Why Nokia PR is letting out these kinds of amateurish looking presentations is beyond me.
@Mikkis74
Because she's cute. Sex sells..
@Mikkis74
Especially the beginning was bit hard to jump into.
Still, this isn't meant as a commercial. Besides I would much rather hear stuff like this from someone who knows what she is talking about and is honestly excited about it.
I've heard enough of "Real easy, great, great, amazing" speak.
@Lavoe
No, she's not cute -- she's Qt.
@Mikkis74
This is not PR.
Looks more like an internal high-level presentation for internal people or for close partners/customers.
She seems to be from a team that actually works on products (a product or project manager, for example). She's probably an engineer, not marketing/sales rep.
@Mikkis74
It's a presentation by geeks to geeks. No need for 'magical'. Nuff said...
@WickedEast
She's a Product Marketing Manager and she has M.Sc. in computer science.
coz nokia sucks...found that out after buying the N900
why can't endaget remember my login? and when i do login why doesnt it take me to where i logged in when i wanted to write the comment...rather than some stupid page where i logs all the comments i've made...
@semiloose If you feel that Nokia sucks after buying the N900 (which was intended as a niche device for the technically inclined), then you probably weren't the target audience for the N900.
I am finding Qt Quick quite slick. Here's a ListView example that totally bowled me over.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x_bS4M3jhY