WebProNews

Nokia will build a new Series 60 browser by adapting code fro the Cupertino-based computer company's Safari browser.

The Safari browser, which draws its WebCore and JavaScriptCore from the KDE Konqueror browser's KHTML and KJS code bases, will be a contributor itself to Nokia's project. According to a study Nokia conducted, over 50 percent of the data traffic from cellphones was generated by browsing.

As the Finnish handset maker updates the browser, it will be made available to licensees of the Series 60 platform. Series 60, based on the Symbian OS, has a browser currently. The new one will add more features to the Series 60 platform, extending its functionality, according to Nokia.

The first half of 2006 should see the project completed. Nokia's partnership with Apple should yield a browser platform that content developers for the small screen will embrace.

"The unified and compatible browser base will offer a very compelling choice for Web content developers," said Pertti Korhonen, Chief Technology Officer, Nokia. Smartphone makers like Samsung, LG, and Panasonic are currently Series 60 licensees.

Nokia has been supporting open source projects for a while. Recently, they made available their Maemo development platform for its small 770 Internet Tablet device.

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.