Preview of new Ovi Store client for the Nokia N8

Published by Rafe Blandford at 12:34 UTC, August 4th 2010

During its N8 developer event, which took place in London yesterday, Nokia demonstrated some of the key features of their upcoming Symbian^3 handset. This included, for the first time on a real device, a preview of the new Ovi Store client.  The new Ovi Store client has been redesigned to make it more attractive and easier to use. Read on for some exclusive images and preview comments.

Update: In an earlier version of this story we indicated that the new Ovi Store client was written in Qt. This is not the case, the Ovi Store client continues to be based on Web Runtime (WRT) technology. We apologise for the error.  Additional details here.

The version I saw running on the N8 was described as a preview, aimed at giving developers an idea of what the new Ovi Store client would look like. As such, it was not the finished article and, like the rest of the N8's software, is a work in progress. The new client will ship with the N8 when it launches later this quarter.

The most obvious change in the client is the thorough overhaul of the design, which has been lightened and simplified, with flatter and more consistent navigation. It benefits greatly from Symbian^3's single tap 'paradigm', which makes the client slicker and more intuitive in use.

In terms of pure functionality, there are no major changes, although the new client will be the building block for the introduction of features such as application updates, subscription and in-application billing, which will arrive in due course.

When you first open up the client, you see the same recommended list of content as before. There are now six items on the screen at any one time, up from five, and a reorganised navigation bar at the top of the screen: Ovi Store (home), Categories (browse by content type), Search, and Account (account details). At the bottom, the left softkey is labelled 'Store menu' (replacing Options), which pops up an overlay menu window (see below), one of Symbian^3's standard UI widgets. The right softkey is used for navigation 'Back' where applicable.

On the home page of the store, beneath the recommended content list, there are links to each of the content sections, which should encourage novice users to browse the store for additional content, rather than solely sticking to recommended lists. It is also notable that Nokia has made an obvious distinction between the labelling of free content (green box) and paid content (price listed).

In the current client, the various types of content in the Ovi Store are accessed via the carousel tabs along the top of the screen. The new client switches to a listing approach, which is more consistent and intuitive. Again, this should encourage casual browsing of the Ovi Store.

In another logical move, 'Channels' (curated sets of content), previously hidden away under an Options menu, have been renamed 'Collections' and placed below the category (types) list. 

Tapping on one the content types opens a category list, which is headed by a 'See all Applications' link. Each of these opens up the relevant list of content. Compared to the previous client, this make categories (Business, City Guides, Entertainment, Music...) much more prominent. Previously, categories were little used as they could only be accessed via the Options menu. This should help improve discovery in the store as it will be easier for users to get to listings of specific content areas.

Opening up a specific category brings up the familiar content list, headed by sorting links (top free, best sellers, new).

The individual content item screen has been redesigned, with a more prominent download link, shortened descriptions (full description available via expanding link), expanding reviews section and a re-arranged screenshot area.

Navigation around the store is aided by the 'Store menu', which replaces the 'Options' on the left softkey. It's accessible, instantly, from anywhere within the Ovi Store client and offers links to the 'Store home' (home page), 'Categories', 'Search', 'Account', 'Help' and 'Exit Ovi Store'. 

There's a definite increase in overall speed, which may partly be explained by the N8's hardware, but is also indicative of an overall improvement. 

It's not really possible to draw any definite conclusions about the impact of the new client at this point in time. However, based on what we saw, both in terms of the redesign and performance and usability improvements, we would expect the new Ovi Store client to significantly increase download and usage rates.

Rafe Blandford, All About Symbian, 4th August 2010

Updated: In an earlier version of this article we noted that the new version was written in Qt. This is not the case. The Ovi Store client continues to be based on Web Runtime (WRT) technology. We believed that our information, which was provided during a Nokia developer event, was correct, when we originally published the article. However, Nokia have since reached out to provide some additional information on the new version of the Ovi Store client, including this correction on the technical details. We will be publishing a follow up piece on Ovi Store shortly.

It is quite telling that the performance and design improvements reinforced the perception that this was a Qt application. the new Ovi Store client does demonstrate that with care and attention to detail WRT based applications can provide an excellent level of performance and user experience. 

We apologise for any confusion caused. 

Rafe Blandford, All About Symbian, 9th August 2010

News Discussion

Quote:

Originally Posted by umarrnagi guys will the new qt based ovi store client be available for the n97 too when the n8 releases???? Looks pretty slick

There's no information on this. If I had to guess I would say there's a very good chance of it. Afterall Qt will run fine on the older devices.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered Rafe are you referring to the new web browser coming out? What more do you know about it? Thank you.

There's not much to say at this point in time. But yes I am referring to the new browser. It's going to be based on QtWebkit and is a very significant upgrade. One of the advantages of using QtWebit is that we'll get a more up to date version of the WebKit engine (and it will continue to be updated). It should be bang up to date with web standards too (HTML 5, CSS 3 etc.). It will also get a new Javascript engine (should help WRT performance too).

I'll look at doing a separate article on this in due course.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemoi Ah, this sounds much better... if only they include application updates and if only it hadn't taken them about one and a half year to get there. I seriously hope they put Qt in the next n97 firmware upgrade so that those of us who fell for it can enjoy the bright new qt future.

Application updates are on the roadmap, although no specific time line has been publicly announced. Clearly though it is something that an app store should support. While not quite basic hygiene, it is close to an essential feature.

Qt won't need to be in firmware. Developers (and Nokia) can use the Smart Installer, which will download and install Qt as necessary (e.g. the Orange Wednesday app uses this).

Quote:

Originally Posted by snoFlake Very willing to be corrected (in fact as an N97 owner I very much hope I am) but I don't believe the N97's hardware will be able to cope with the Qt libraries. Hope I'm wrong, fear I'm not. One of the unmentioned disasters surrounding the unfortunate (rip off) N97 is that with the introduction of S^3 and Qt if it can't run run the Qt libraries and as above I don't think it can (and run other programmes sensibly) then all App development for the N97 has effectively stopped as I would guess 90% new apps will now be written in Qt with S^4 in view. Orphaned after a year (actually it was ages ago because they can't fix the hardware limitations), just gives us a trade in discount for the N8 or E7 Nokia and we'll go quietly , well I will.

Qt will definitely run on the N97 - I've seen it do so. However there may be an issue with C: drive space. Not sure if the libraries have to be on the C: drive. So that may be a limitation for some (things are better now with Maps etc, in firmware).

I'm not sure everyone else will go quietly :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered Is there any facility reboot the device if the device hangs up and power button is unresponsive? This happens with my 5800 and I remove battery and put it back. In N8's case battery can't be removed on the go. How can we reboot in this situation?

You hold down the power key for x seconds - can't remember how long it is though.

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Originally Posted by inept Rafe, when you discuss WRT performance and the fact that the new Qt-based browser won't be out in time to match the N8's launch, are you sort of implying that the N8's browser is poor? Nokia has gone to great lengths to show off all of the N8's strengths while seemingly never showing off the browser at all. The product is due to launch within a couple months, supposedly, and we've never seen the browser demonstrated by anyone as far as I can recall. This is somewhat disconcerting. Do they intend to launch the device without its true killer app being up to snuff? I appreciate that the 680MHz ARM 11 CPU in the N8 is the fastest (I believe?) Nokia has ever delivered in a Symbian-based device, so that might alleviate some of the issues, but what are we really looking at in terms of the browsing experience?

This is a bit subjective. It the same 7.2 browser currently found in devices like the X6 and E72. This is still decent, but it's not up to the standards of the N900 or high end Android devices in my opinion.

The capacitive screen makes a different (compared to the N97 say) and performance is better because of improved networking and graphics architecture in Symbian^3. The CPU isn't that big an issue when browsing actually, but the graphics co-processor will make a difference.

I've used the browser and would say it is acceptable, but it is good that the new version is on the way. There's no official information on timing, but from what understand it is due in Q4.

Quote:

Originally Posted by snoFlake Very willing to be corrected (in fact as an N97 owner I very much hope I am) but I don't believe the N97's hardware will be able to cope with the Qt libraries. Hope I'm wrong, fear I'm not. One of the unmentioned disasters surrounding the unfortunate (rip off) N97 is that with the introduction of S^3 and Qt if it can't run run the Qt libraries and as above I don't think it can (and run other programmes sensibly) then all App development for the N97 has effectively stopped as I would guess 90% new apps will now be written in Qt with S^4 in view. Orphaned after a year (actually it was ages ago because they can't fix the hardware limitations), just gives us a trade in discount for the N8 or E7 Nokia and we'll go quietly , well I will.

All 5th edition devices will be able to run Qt (and I think 3rd edition eventually), subject to your C drive as mentioned by some. When you try to download your first Qt app, then it installs the app and looks for Qt. If it cannot find it then it downloads Qt smart installer (approx 7MB). Once installed all other Qt apps will install and run without installing Qt Smart Installer.

Want to try it now? go to Ovi and download Orange Wednesday app, you cannot get 2 for 1 but all other funcationality works. This is Qt app and runs really well on my X6.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered I heard differently: The new Ovi Store client is supposedly not written in Qt, but using already the new web runtime based on QtWebKit.

That's possible - I was told Qt, but no specific technical details. In a sense running on QtWebkit would Qt based too. It may actually be a combination of both (i.e. QtWebKit based, but not specifically WRT). If anyone can shed some light please chip in.

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Originally Posted by Unregistered Also is this equivalent to removing battery from device?

Yes, it is.

[quote=Unregistered;472724]

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Originally Posted by Rafe You hold down the power key for x seconds - can't remember how long it is though. Is this procedure different from normal switch off phone? Also is this equivalent to removing battery from device? thanks for the information you are providing.

Yes. Its equivalent to pulling the battery.

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Originally Posted by Jimmy1 A bit OT Rafe, but any news if the Internet Radio app from S60v3 will make it to Symbian 3 and the N8? It's one of the hidden built in gems of the E-series that unfortunately hadn't made its way to S60v5 for God knows whatever reason. The internet radio app, along with the podcasting app bundled in with the N8 firmware would likely make it more appealing for an upgrade, even to older E and N series users.

I'm not sure on Internet Radio, but Podcasting is definitely in there. I do recall hearing something about Internet Radio, but can't track down anything concrete - sorry!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rafe The CPU isn't that big an issue when browsing actually, but the graphics co-processor will make a difference.

I'm disappointed that someone who has been following the smartphone arena for so long could make such a statement. Today's smartphones (even the fast ARMv7 devices) are CPU bound when loading/rending websites. Double the CPU power and you almost half the load/rendering time.

The only significant impact that GPU acceleration will have is to make scrolling and zooming around the webpage smoother. This is after having to wait for the slow ARM11 CPU to load and render the webpage.

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