Symbian is no longer open source, according to Nokia, and the source code is only going to be available to a number of select collaborators. Apparently, Nokia has received more than a few inquiries as to what it means by “open” and “open source,” so it decided to clarify that today.
Nokia says on it site:
As we have consistently said, Nokia is making the Symbian platform available under an alternative, open and direct model, to enable us to continue working with the remaining Japanese OEMs and the relatively small community of platform development collaborators we are already working with.
The company says it’s also keeping a close eye on those who are registering for the platform and is being more selective on approving those with whom Nokia will collaborate.
Symbian fans worried last fall that the foundation would be completely shut down and that any further innovation would come to a halt. In December, the Symbian Foundation did close up shop on its website and Nokia ended up picking up where it left off.
On April 12, Nokia will be holding a special Symbian event, so we’re all pretty curious to see what’s in store for the platform and whether this move to limit itself to a small group of select collaborators will pay off.