Developer FAQs
What is Symbian Horizon?
Symbian Horizon is a Directory of Symbian application’s that enables developers to display and advertise their applications. It will allow users to discover apps and find out which stores they are available from.
How do I submit my app to the directory?
In order to participate in the Symbian Horizon directory, your application needs to be Symbian Signed and hosted on the internet for download. If your application meets that criteria fill out the Symbian Horizon application form here to submit your application. Upon submission, a Symbian Horizon administrator will contact you for additional information needed to set up your directory page.
How will Horizon differ from other application store providers?
Symbian Horizon is an application that enables users to discover apps and find out which stores they are availalbe from.
What will it cost for developers to participate in Horizon?
Symbian Horizon is a free srevice for developers.
What is the market opportunity for developers in the US?
Symbian smartphone distribution was less than 5% of the total North American smartphone market in 2008, however, distribution of Symbian devices in Q109 is three times that of Q108. We expect to see these numbers grow as Symbian Foundation focuses on driving application growth through Symbian Horizon.
What is the market opportunity globally?
Symbian smartphone distribution globally was more than 50% of the total market in 2008. The opportunity for developers lies in large markets such as APAC, where, in Q109, Symbian has 80% smartphone market share, EMEA with 60%, and Latin America with 40%.
Source: Canalys Smart Phone Analysis, 2008 and Q109 shipment estimates.
What is the benefit to developers and/or companies that participate?
The benefit for developers is the opportunity to broaden their distribution opportunities and gain additional visibility. Increased visibility will come through improved application discovery services, as well as co-marketing activities. The benefit for application store providers is the opportunity to increase the traffic, revenue, and available applications/content.
Who can participate in Horizon?
Horizon is open to all companies, development firms, and developers worldwide to participate. There are varying levels of participation which Symbian will be defining to make the benefits of this initiative as broadly available as possible. The associated criteria include a varying degree of certification, as well as support, marketing, and other services.
How will Horizon manage the device differences that previously prevented adoption?
The primary objective of Symbian Horizon is to remove the barriers to distribution and lower the costs of entry into the Symbian global ecosystem. Symbian will assist developers to help them understand how to write their applications in the best way to target multiple devices and assist in helping them cope with any cross device issues to enable them to access the biggest market.
Has Horizon addressed the issues with the signing process? Will it be easier?
Symbian is currently engaged in discussion with its community about how to evolve the signing process to enable all developers to get their applications to market as fast as possible. Symbian is taking many actions to simplify signing policies including allowing many widget apps onto the publishing platform without requiring signing.
How many applications can a developer submit? Can they all be submitted at once?
A developer can submit an unlimited number of applications. The submission process must be repeated for each application so that they can be individually tracked.
Does a developer need to have a completed application to apply to Horizon?
Yes, the Horizon program is for completed applications.
If a developer is accepted to Horizon, can they later withdraw their applications?
Yes, an application can be withdrawn. However, any metadata created within the marketplaces (download numbers, feedback and so on) will be lost when it is removed.
Does the developer retain ownership over the submitted application?
A developer does retain ownership over a submitted application, but in order to meet with the requirements set forth by the application stores, Symbian needs to obtain fairly broad licenses to use, promote and sell the application. These licenses are then transferred to the application stores mainly for commercial and marketing purposes, as well as testing of the application. However, these licenses do not interfere with your position as the sole owner of the application and any rights related thereto.
What version of the Symbian platform should a developer target?
A developer can select to target any Symbian device/platform combination. We are especially interested in applications created for the newest Symbian devices based on the Symbian^3 platform.
What are the guidelines to submitting applications?
Please see the Symbian Horizon Program guidelines for more details.
End-User Directory FAQs
What is the Symbian Horizon Directory?
Symbian Horizon is a directory of mobile applications for your Symbian based device. From Symbian Horizon, you can find apps specific to your phone, developed by your favorite developer, or browse through them all.
Where can I access Symbian Horizon?
Symbian Horizon is available online at http://horizon.symbian.org. You can also access it though an Internet browser on your mobile device.
What are the costs for using Symbian Horizon?
To browse Symbian Horizon is free. However, not all applications are free, as some carry a cost. Should apps be free (or have free trials available), you'll see the following notifiers:
- Free apps:
- Free trial versions:
How do I download applications from Symbian Horizon?
Symbian Horizon is a directory of applications available online. We help to refer you to stores/sites available download the application. Available stores display under the “Get it Now” banner.
Note* This is what's great about Symbian Horizon. While your app may not be in the "usual" stores, Symbian Horizon will refer you to the site where it's available.
All downloads will be from the store/site referred to.
How do I receive more information about a certain app?
For some applications, there's the ability to "Contact the developer". If available for an app, the link will appear on the right. If not available, please don't hesitate to "Notify Symbian" with you inquiry.
How can I flag/report content to an administrator?
To flag/report content, please use the "Notify Symbian" link found on all application pages.
What languages are available for Symbian Horizon?
Symbian Horizon is currently available in English. Additional languages will be added.
How can I filter/personalize my experience when looking for an app?
From Symbian Horizon, you can search/browse:
- Applications specific to your mobile device (up to 4 devices)
- Free or Paid apps
- Most popular apps
- Newest apps
On top of this, we like to share what's happening within the Community. From the Symbian Horizon home page, you'll find we frequently update our "Featured application" and "Featured developer".