Nokia lets developers inside Wap browser

Nokia has announced plans to release the source code for the latest version of its Wap browser, which it hopes will give it a foothold in the mobile internet market.

The company will license version 2.0 of its Wap browser as source code so that mobile device manufacturers can customise the user interface's functionality and appearance.

According to Nokia, the availability of the code will ensure that standards-based wireless internet technologies are deployed rapidly by giving manufacturers more control over the types of features and software development. The overall success of the wireless industry depends on the "cost effective and easy" development of Wap software, said Nokia.

Vesa Wallden, marketing director for Nokia internet communications, said: "Although it appears to the end user that the Wap browser is a simple and trivial component, it actually comprises complex software. Nokia wants to make internet access available through personal digital assistants, handsets and the car, and the release will foster the development of the mobile internet."

The Nokia browser software, which is based on the software that will be available under a number of different licensing arrangements, includes a royalty-free option. It also complies with the Wap 1.2 specification which supports push technology and wireless mark-up language script.