Announced at the JavaOne show in San Francisco this week, the 5th Edition of Series 40 offers developers new API support and the newest advances in Java technology. The goal? Easier development for the highest-volume platform available, i.e., better stuff on mobile phones for plebs.Taking the tack that easier development leads to happier developers, Nokia is giving writers of Series 40 applications and content something to smile about. The new edition of Series 40 incorporates Java Platform Micro Edition and supports MIDP 2.1. The enhanced user interface will help developers build richer apps for the mass market platform.

Among its biggest improvements are support for the latest version of Adobe's Flash Lite 2.1, which simplifies bringing things like rich graphical mobile content - audio file playback, streaming video, enhancements to mobile gaming - to market. It also improves Bluetooth and IrDA connectivity and synchronization and enhances the mobile browsing environment.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, by using the JSR-248 Mobile Service Architecture spec, Nokia will be able to port applications between the S60 and Series 40 platforms more easily. With the number of developers (and applications) for S60, this will be key in offering highly functional services on Series 40 devices.

"Nokia is very pleased to underscore its commitment to Java technologies with the delivery of these advanced enhancements to Series 40 5th Edition, enabling developers and operators to provide a new generation of advanced applications and services to the mass-market of mobile phone users," said Lee Epting, vice president, Forum Nokia, in a press release. "This new platform for high-volume Nokia devices will leverage the latest Java-based functionality to provide a richer and more productive mobile experience to consumers and business users around the globe."