Nokia releases Qt SDK 1.1 update

Major steps taken as final release draws near

Nokia has released the latest SDK for its Qt cross-platform app development framework, which will allow the creation of applications for MeeGo and Symbian devices, as well as Windows, Linux and Mac desktops, using one piece of software.

This is a major step towards the final Qt SDK 1.1, building on the beta that was released a couple of weeks ago, the firm said in the Nokia Developers Blog.

The final Qt SDK will allow developers to submit Qt 4.7-based applications to the Ovi Store, although the firm has yet to announce a release date for the final build.

However, Nokia did say that Qt 4.7 will not support the third-generation S60 platform, and developers will have to use Qt 4.6 to create applications for these devices.

Nokia has also confirmed that it is selling off its Qt commercial software licensing and professional services business to Finnish developer Digia to focus on the smartphone market.

The deal will see 3,500 customers of the commercial Qt team transferred to Digia, which will set up offices in the US and Norway as part of the deal.

Nokia has confirmed that Symbian will continue to be supported, but the importance of the platform appears to be dwindling as the handset manufacturer makes the transition to Windows Phone.

Gartner predicts that Symbian will only have a 0.1 per cent market share by 2015, which will declare the platform all but obsolete.