Technology | Nokia Nokia Moves to Counter iPhone Focus on smartphones evident in $410M plan to swallow software maker Symbian By Laila Weir Posted Jun 24, 2008 2:16 PM CDT Copied A mobile 6210 navigator by Nokia is displayed at the World Mobile Congress, in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) In a move aimed at bolstering its ability to compete with Apple's iPhone, Nokia is acquiring smartphone software-maker Symbian and moving toward increased cooperation with other mobile-phone industry veterans. Top handset makers and providers will participate in a nonprofit foundation to handle marketing and coordination for developers, and Symbian will combine its software into one open-source platform, the Wall Street Journal reports. "This is going to stimulate the developer community a lot," said a senior vice president in Motorola's mobile-device unit. "For carriers it will be easier to develop applications and services on multiple handsets." A Nokia exec agreed it would lead to "faster, better products." Nokia already owned part of Symbian and is acquiring the remaining 52% for roughly $410 million. Read These Next Gavin Newsom has filed a massive lawsuit against Fox News. White House rolls with Trump's 'daddy' nickname. New Fox star, 23, misses first day after car troubles. New York Times ranks the best movies of the 21st century. Report an error