The UIQ mobile operating system has been updated to version 3.3. The biggest changes with this new system software, which is based on Symbian OS v9.3, are support for widgets, as well as the most recent version of the Opera Mobile browser. At the same time, SlingMedia announced that UIQ phones can now use its mobile service to stream TV. In all, good times ahead for UIQ.An update to the UIQ base software was somewhat overdue, so the news about the upgrade was welcome indeed. This latest version of the software makes it possible for mobile phone manufacturers to produce different kinds of phones on the same software platform, on a single code line. UIQ 3.3 includes incremental enhancements in line with market requirements (in other words, UIQ is playing catch-up here).

Support for widgets is the big step here. Nokia's S60 platform, which also is based on the Symbian platform, has been supporting widgets for about a year now. Widgets are a great way for users to to add features and functionality to their phones. Personally, I have about two dozen widgets downloaded to my Nokia. In order to manage and house all those widgets, UIQ 3.3 also brings aboard a new widget dashboard, which will be accessible system-wide by pushing the widget button. And with Opera Mobile 9.5 built into the OS, UIQ 3.3 also will be able to support widgets for Opera.

Other improvements include a unified messaging platform for integrated communications, and a full set Java JSR 248 mobile service architecture, which will let developers create and deploy more applications for the platform.

Separately, SlingMedia has decided to show UIQ users the same courtesy that users of S60 receive from the maker of the Slingbox. UIQ phone users of models such as the Sony Ericsson P1i and P990i, and the Motorola RIZR Z8, will be able to stream TV signals from their Slingboxes at home to their mobile phones wherever they are. 3G data signals are required, of course.