Nokia to Add Swype, Wireless Payment Tools in Symbian Upgrades
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Nokia Oyj, the world’s largest maker of mobile phones, will add swiping and wireless identification features in updates to its new line of Symbian smartphones to compete with Google Inc.’s fast-developing Android platform.
“The biggest threat and biggest opportunity is our ability to keep Symbian fresh and interesting,” Jo Harlow, senior vice president for smartphones at the Espoo, Finland-based company, said in an interview. Near-field communication, which permits users to use their phones as credit cards, transit passes and hotel room keys, will come to “some existing devices” early next year, she said.