Samsung sells Symbian stake, Windows Mobile updates abound, Apple to announce new products, and more...

There are some changes on the horizon for Symbian, Windows Mobile updates are out for some smartphones, Sony has released the SDK for the panels interface on the upcoming Xperia, and more. There's a lot going on these days in the mobile world and here's our round-up to help you stay in the loop!

Samsung will sell its stake in Symbian to Nokia, according to a Reuter's article here. If all goes according to plan, Nokia will have sole ownership of Symbian and will then make it open-source to better compete with other smartphone platforms. The Symbian operating system is well-loved by many smartphone users, and here's to hoping Nokia's move will continue to advance its development!

Via [Reuters]

If you're running Windows Mobile on your smartphone, you may want to see if one of the many Windows Mobile 6.1 updates that have been released lately apply to you. As with any upgrade to any computerized device, make sure to do a full back-up before you start.

Via [CoolSmartphone]

While it might not have anything to do with the iPhone 3G, we'd be remiss to not mention the special event Apple will be holding for the press on September 9.  The graphics on the invitation, and rumors, indicate that Apple will be making iPod-specific announcements on this day, but iPhone owners can still hope that the rumored 2.1 firmware update might make an appearance at the same time.

Via [MacWorld]


All Windows Mobile develepers, start your engines!  The interactive panels SDK for of Sony's Xperia is now available and is a free download from Sony's site here. 

Via [Engadget Mobile]



Another news item related to Nokia concerns the launch of their "Comes with Music" package in the UK. With certain phones, Nokia is offering unlimited music downloads at no additional cost.  It looks like they already have a number of record labels signed up to participate, though it remains to be seen if it will be an "iTunes Killer."

Via [Engadget]


If you need a phone without a lot of bells and whistles with an easy-to-read display and dial pad, check out the Samsung Knack that Verizon will offer. From its description, the Knack has been designed from the ground up to facilitate its use by those who are visually impaired and/or have decreased manual dexterity.

Via [PhoneArena]