After a period uncertainty about where the UIQ interface and its maker really fitted into both Sony Ericsson’s future strategy (including rumours of a Windows Mobile-based SE phone), the latter has moved things on by flogging 50% of the former to Motorola. Sony Ericsson had previously taken 100% control of UIQ in 2006.
UIQ is used in high-end SE phones like the P1i and the forthcoming, range-topping Walkman, the W960. Motorola had recently licensed the UIQ interface for its banana-shaped Z8. According to the official statement the two companies are, ‘committed to further advancing UIQ as a strong, independent cross-vendor user interface for smartphones and media-centric phones.’
They add that the ‘announcement should be seen as an invitation to other mobile device vendors to participate in the UIQ community, either as shareholders or licensees.’ Does this mean UIQ spells trouble for Nokia’s S60 platform? Or is the UIQ deal a preemptive response to Google’s rumoured plans? Whatever else, fans of SE’s top-end phones should feel pleased that the future of their favoured OS is healthy — at least for now.
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