Nokia has introduced new widget plug-in tools that will provide an easier way for developers to convert standard web code into new mobile apps.
The Nokia Web Runtime (WRT) Extension for Adobe Dreamweaver, Nokia WRT plug-in for Microsoft Visual Studio and the updated WRT plug-in 2.0 for Aptana Studio enable programmers writing in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Ajax code and other standards-based technologies to extend their existing web content to the mobile channel.
According to the handset giant, WRT is built on the same open-source, industry standard WebKit project environment used by Web Browser for S60. Developers need no previous experience with Nokia software development to begin creating on-device WRT widget apps.
Nokia's Director of WRT Tools and Technologies Craig Cumberland said the three new WRT plug-ins support 27 Nokia handset models, including all S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2 devices and onward along with all S60 5th Edition devices.
WRT plug-ins also support select S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 1 devices, with a Nokia software updater firmware upgrade necessary to install WRT on some devices. (A complete list of supported Nokia devices is available here.)
In addition, the updated WRT plug-in for Aptana Studio 2 immediately supports Nokia platform services 1.0 and provides access to select device functionality for the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic and the Nokia N97 touchscreen devices.
It also supports the “home screen” publishing functionality on the Nokia N97 and future Nokia devices. Additional information is available here.
“All developers recognize that the mobile space is one where growth is exponential--the challenge is that we've always catered to native application developers,” Cumberland said in an interview.
“We want to give web developers the right tools that they're familiar with. These new [plug-in tools] will open up doors for whole new group of developers to come into mobile.”
For more on the Nokia plug-in tools:
- read this release
- read this release