Nokia Releases Software for Developing Connected Mobile Games in Java Technology

SNAP Mobile, Nokia's (NYSE: NOK) end-to end
solution for connected mobile gaming in Java(TM) technology, has today
announced its latest Software Development Kit (SDK 2.0). After several
years of market deployment and continuous technology development based on
developer feedback, the SNAP Mobile SDK 2.0 has evolved to make game
development even more intuitive with a simpler API, faster emulation and
testing tools. The SDK is free of charge and available through Forum Nokia,
the largest mobile development community worldwide with 3.4 million
registered members.
"With connected gaming on the rise, we're pleased that Nokia is able to
offer developers a Java ME based solution that can be run across a wide
variety of devices," said Craig Gering, senior director of Embedded Java
Software, Sun Microsystems. "Sun and Nokia have been working together to
ensure that the SNAP Mobile SDK works well with both the Sun Java Wireless
Toolkit, and with the NetBeans IDE. Combining the SNAP Mobile SDK with
Sun's award-winning mobile development solutions gives mobile game
developers a highly productive environment to create the most entertaining
experience for today's connected consumers."
The SNAP Mobile SDK 2.0 provides tools for creating connected mobile
games for a broad range of Nokia and non-Nokia devices that comply with
Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP) 2.0 and Connected Limited Device
Configuration (CLDC) 1.1. The SDK includes the SNAP Mobile Client API
libraries, an Emulation Environment application, a handset and network
compatibility test tool, and sample applications and documentation that can
be accessed from any Java Integrated Developer Environment (IDE).
The latest SNAP Mobile SDK is a significant step forward for Nokia with
a new object-oriented API and improved UI framework that makes it more
accessible for Java game developers to build games with online community
functionality, such as in-game user registration and log-in, unique user
identification, multiplayer and massively multiplayer gaming with opponent
matchmaking and player rankings, Instant Messaging and contact list
building. Additionally, the SDK strives to make it easier for developers to
program because it requires fewer API calls to the server, especially in
terms of error handling, and has reduced compliance testing from
approximately two hours to one hour. With a combined operator network and
handset compatibility test, developers can test their game in relation to
specific local requirements.
"The SNAP Mobile SDK 2.0 makes it easier for developers to write and
debug a connected mobile Java game, and brings fun to development," said
Randolf Wu, business development director, PocketNet. "I had the SDK up and
running on my desktop within minutes of downloading. It's invaluable as it
provides a realistic game play environment for a cellular network. For
example, it can simulate error conditions so that we can check that our
games will respond appropriately when an error occurs. The SNAP Mobile SDK
is a mature toolset to the point where bugs are not really an issue, and it
just gets better and better with each release."
Developers attending the 2008 JavaOne conference are encouraged to
visit the Nokia booth (#818/820) to speak with Nokia's Java technology
experts to find out more about SNAP Mobile and its SDK 2.0.
The SDK 2.0 can be downloaded at http://www.forum.nokia.com/snapmobile
About SNAP Mobile
Nokia's SNAP Mobile is an industry leading mobile Java(TM) gaming
solution that covers middleware and technology, hosting, maintenance, and
online community management. It is available to 3rd parties for connected
mobile game development and publishing, and also offers mobile game
community development to operators. The SNAP Mobile platform currently
supports a wide variety of Java(TM) MIDP2.0 compliant phones and has a
rapidly growing selection of connected mobile games with the variety and
level of challenge that appeals to players of all ages. For more
information about SNAP Mobile, please visit
http://www.snapmobile.nokia.com.
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and
growth of the converging Internet and communications industries. We make a
wide range of mobile devices with services and software that enable people
to experience music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games,
business mobility and more. Developing and growing our offering of consumer
Internet services, as well as our enterprise solutions and software, is a
key area of focus. We also provide equipment, solutions and services for
communications networks through Nokia Siemens Networks.
Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java, JavaOne and The Network Is
The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems,
Inc. in the United States and other countries.
http://www.nokia.com