Nokia s60 Touch Screen the iPhone Killer

Nokia is going to release S60 handsets with touch screens at the second half of the year. That Nokia may be releasing a slew of touch screen smart phones is interesting enough but an S60 touchscreen UI described as “fast and intuitive”? That’s got to be an iPhone killer.
Among the main features, the tactile feedback and its openness to third-party software are two that strike me immediately as possible trump cards against the iPhone OS.
The sensor technology is described as “[providing] a completely new way for users to interact with their device. Users can simply turn the device upside down or tap it twice to silence a calendar alarm or an incoming call – it just couldn’t be easier.
The sensor framework opens the door to the exciting world of sensor-based applications. For example, imagine an exciting game that uses sensors or a screensaver that reacts to the device’s position and orientation.”

Here are three key principles that guide the design of the S60 User Interface (UI):

• User enjoyment is an important part of the experience. The UI needs to be fun without ever compromising its usability. UI transition animations are a great example of how this can be achieved.
• Smart simplicity simplicity is addressed in all design iterations by making functions as simple and smart as possible. Many usability tests are conducted around the world with different cultures and languages to ensure this objective is being achieved. Enhanced multitasking and Common composer are recent designs from S60 3rd Edition FP2.
• Expandable experiences. The S60 platform also gives users the power to decide what kind of functions they want in their S60 device, as well as how it looks and feels. The most familiar examples are the S60 graphical themes and downloadable applications.

It’s essential that the S60 UI retains its familiarity while at the same time providing innovative new experiences and capabilities that users will love.
S60 already offers different product designs and screens, various input methods and, of course, exciting and smart applications and functions. Touch and sensors take this innovation to a new level.

Hint :
How to silence your phone with just one key press
Arrived late for an important meeting and you haven't silenced your phone? Or maybe the movie at the theater has already begun yet your phone could ring at any moment? Here's a quick and easy way to silence your phone with just one key press.

• Press and hold the pound key (#) for just one second, and your phone automatically changes its profile to silent.
• When you want your phone's profile set back to normal, simply press and hold that pound key once more.