Matsushita, the manufacturer of Panasonic handsets is to use Series 60 in its mobile phones. This gives increasing strength to the Series 60 platform.

Full Press Release from Symbian.com:

Matsushita Communication selects Nokia's software platform for
future multimedia phones

July 10, 2002 - Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd., the Japanese manufacturer of Panasonic mobile handsets, and Nokia, today announced an agreement whereby Matsushita will license the Series 60 Platform from Nokia and integrate it into their Symbian OS-based multimedia phones.

Matsushita's choice demonstrates the ability of both companies to deliver on their commitment to interoperability and a common architecture between applications and mobile devices. Panasonic multimedia phones combined with Series 60 Platform will enable consumers and corporate users to enjoy the full range of mobile services based on open and global technologies. Additionally, the uniform software design and programming interface will benefit developers through easy access to both the Nokia and Matsushita product platforms. For operators, deployment of the Series 60 Platform means less complexity and enhanced application interoperability.

"Utilization of the Series 60 software platform, based on the open and global design policy will enable us to design differentiated and value-added applications for our Panasonic mobile phones without compromising interoperability," said Osamu Waki, Chief Technical Officer, Matsushita Communication "Based on our experience in Japanese market, where there is a strong track record of developing and launching attractive mobile services, we expect to contribute significantly to the expansion of global mobile services market through the use of the Series 60 software platform in our Panasonic mobile phones."

"Matsushita and Nokia believe that consumers and corporate users need to have the freedom to choose their mobile devices according to personal preferences and still access all services across terminals, operators and regions. We are delighted to work with Matsushita as they become a Series 60 licensee and look forward to their input to further develop the terminal software in the spirit of innovativeness and openness. By utilizing interoperable platforms, Matsushita will be one of the key players in the industry to boost the mobile services market", said Pertti Korhonen, executive vice president, Mobile Software, Nokia.

Series 60 is a comprehensive software platform for smartphones, created for mobile phone users that demand easy-to-use, one-hand operated handsets with high-quality color screens, rich communications and enhanced applications. Series 60 consists of the key telephony and personal information management applications, the browser and messaging clients, as well as a complete and modifiable user interface, all designed to run on top of the Symbian OS, an operating system for advanced, data enabled mobile phones.

The licensees of the Series 60 Platform are able to implement the software platform into their own application-driven phone designs, speeding up the rollout of new phone models at lower costs. As Nokia is licensing Series 60 as a source-code product to other mobile handset manufacturers, licensees will be able to differentiate their products and ensure their competitive edge in the mobile phone marketplace.

About Nokia

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet, Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is one of the most broadly held companies in the world with listings on six major exchanges. www.nokia.com

About Matsushita Communication Industrial

Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd (MCI) is a principal subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known for its Panasonic brand consumer and industrial products. Matsushita Communication Industrial specializes in three business areas: mobile communications, automotive multimedia, and system solutions. One of the world's first 3G handset manufacturers for commercial services in Japan, the company recorded sales of 783.8 billion yen (US$5.9 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002. For more information, visit www.mci.panasonic.co.jp/ english