Nokia and Vodafone this week strengthened their partnership with the release of the first Vodafone specific software package to all S60 licensees.

The Vodafone specific software enables Vodafone to roll out new services across a range of different handsets without having to develop a range of different software designs.

Samsung and Nokia are expected to be the first handset vendors to ship devices incorporating this software in 2007.

“Vodafone’s customers will benefit as we are able to get our services out faster and more cost-effectively on a wide range of devices from several handset brands. Handset vendors will benefit from saving development costs while maintaining the ability to differentiate on additional functionality and industrial design,” said Jens Schulte-Bockum, Vodafone’s global director of terminals.

According to research from Canalys, S60 is the clear leader in converged device software with 54 per cent market share globally in the fourth quarter of 2006.