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Online mobile application retailer Handango has updated the UIQ interface (e.g. Sony Ericsson P800/P900/P910 smartphones) Symbian edition of its on-device download client. Called InHand, the client offers select titles from Handango's vast collection of wireless applications for operators to sell to subscribers.

The upgrade incorporates three new functions: SMS purchasing, update synchronization and peer-to-peer distribution. Additional features include trials, one-click access, download safeguard, and online backup.

"Handango InHand for Symbian has been one of our most successful InHand clients due to the great content available for UIQ-based phones and the appetite UIQ phone owners have for that great content," said Randy Eisenman, president and chief executive officer of Handango. "We are confident that these new features will drive further interest among customers and operators alike," he continued.

The InHand client streamlines content delivery across smartphones and, according to Handango, increases the attach rate for mobile downloads—software, games, themes and ringtones—by delivering an on-device, fully-managed and branded users experience to mobile subscribers.

InHand clients are also available for the Palm, Windows Mobile Smartphone & Pocket PC, and RIM BlackBerry platforms.

Certified Apps
All software available through InHand for Symbian are Symbian Signed and have been awarded the "For Symbian OS" logo. Symbian Signed is an industry adopted testing program designed by Symbian to provide mobile operators with a catalog of third-party verified, trustworthy applications.

Sony Ericsson and Nokia are among the many Symbian vendors who've signed on to support the program.

Handango is now offering Symbian Signed certification itself to mobile application developers. Symbian Signed testing with Handango costs $200 for members of the Handango Software Partner Program.

Symbian Signed is integrated with Handango AMPP, Handango's marketplace platform for mobile operators and device manufacturers. Applications that pass the certification program are awarded the aforementioned "For Symbian OS" logo. The logo will appear everywhere the product is sold.

Logo qualifying applications are also eligible for inclusion on select sales channels, which require this certification.

"Symbian is pleased that Handango is now offering their members Symbian Signed as part of the channel to market. This is an ideal process for allowing Symbian developers and ISVs to get their application to the mass market," said Bruce Carney, head of developer marketing and services of Symbian.