Nokia's commitment to pushing the mobile web frontier to new users continues with the Nokia Browser for Series 40, a powerful yet slimline browser specifically designed for entry-level handsets.
Nokia Browser for Series 40: 10 things you need to know
It will officially be unleashed with the upcoming Nokia C2-03, which was announced in Singapore last month. The longer-term significance, however, is that it strikes a serious blow for so-called feature phones against their pricier, more complex smartphone rivals, and puts the mobile web in the hands of a huge number of people that simply haven't had the luxury of enjoying the full benefits of the web before.
So what is its big secret, and how does Nokia Browser for Series 40 take the mobile web to the next level? Here's the lowdown, plus a video clip so you can see it in action too.
Faster and cheaper
Nokia Series 40 devices themselves are designed to deliver maximum value for money, so it wouldn't be much good if the dedicated Series 40 web browser didn't offer the same. Fortunately, thanks to clever compression technology that cuts the file size of web pages before your phone downloads them, it does, and the practical result is web browsing that's not only cheaper, but faster too.
Easier to navigate
The Nokia Browser for Series 40 puts all your favourite web content right where you need it. The easy-to-use interface presents key sites in a simple shuttered category list that can be expanded with a single tap or click to show individual sites, with your browsing history to the left away, and your favourites accessible to the right.
Recommends popular content
That category list approach allows the Nokia Browser for Series 40 to put the most popular web content front and centre at any one time. During next year's London Olympics, for instance, all the most popular sites covering the event will be available right there when you fire the web browser up.
Web Apps – the internet optimised for your phone
One of the big frustrations when browsing the web on a non-smartphone is that so much online content simply doesn't work properly. With Web Apps that's no problem, however, as sites are optimised to work in full on both your phone and your browser.
Built for your phone
The simply beauty of using Nokia Browser for Series 40 is that you'll know it's been built to work specifically with the phone you're holding in your hand, complete with its strengths and weaknesses. The end result is a browser that's faster, cheaper and easier to use.
As we've mentioned, the Nokia C2-03 will be the first phone to offer Nokia Browser for Series 40 on board, but you can get a sneak preview by hitting Play on the video below.
Once you've had a look, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the Nokia Browser for Series 40. Do you think it's a vital stepping stone in helping to bring the mobile web to the next generation of first-time users? Feel free to share your insights with us in the Comments below.