First Beta of Nokia's Maemo 5 SDK Released

Nokia's Maemo organization has announced the first beta release of the Maemo 5 Software Developer's Kit (SDK). The Maemo 5 Beta SDK enables developers to begin coding applications for the next operating system platform for Nokia's Internet Tablet devices.

Some of the significant features of this beta include:

• Support for the development of widgets for the Maemo 5 desktop
• An included first draft of the Maemo 5 Development Manuel
• A new version of the open-source email application Modest -- designed according to newly frozen APIs and user interface

Maemo 5 will power a new generation of Nokia's Internet Tablets, and will not be compatible with the older hardware of the N800 and N810 devices. However, it will support newer hardware features such as OMAP 3 mobile processors, HSPA data connectivity, high-definition camera support for still and video, and hardware-based graphics acceleration.

While the SDK is now in beta form, there is no mention on the development timeline as to when new devices utilizing the upcoming version of this operating system can be expected. According to unconfirmed information, though, the release will happen this fall.

Developers wishing to learn more about Maemo 5 and begin porting their applications to this framework can download the Maemo 5 Beta SDK from the Maemo website.

Source: Maemo.org