Symbian announces better video and faster broadband with ScreenPlay and FreeWay

Symbian has announced two new technologies to boost graphics, and broadband connectivity in its operating system – ScreenPlay and FreeWay.

ScreenPlay is a new graphics architecture integrating high definition video and improved animation, with transparent menus and overlays. It’s designed for mid-range devices but can also use high-end devices with more processing power.

FreeWay is a new IP networking architecture boosting broadband connectivity on handsets for ‘super fast download speeds’, better VoIP and improved audio and video streaming. It’s also compatible with Super3G/LTE, WiMax and other networks. Symbian claimed an MP3 track could be downloaded ‘in seconds’ with FreeWay.

At the Symbian Smartphone Show Symbian CEO Nigel Clifford explained that as smartphones increasingly resemble computers (like the N95 being touted as a ‘multimedia computer’), people are expecting more PC-like features and capabilities on their smartphones.

Symbian also said that it’s started supplying manufacturer customers with both technologies, so they’ll be appearing on a handset near you sometime next year.

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