Nokia to launch touch-screen version of S60 software

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Nokia (NOK1V.HE), the world's largest cellphone maker, said on Tuesday a touch-screen version of its popular S60 smartphone software would be ready in 2008.

Touch screens, which enable cellphone makers to hide numeric keypads, have made headlines around the world this year due to the launch of Apple Inc's (AAPL.O) iPhone handset.

Nokia's S60 software platform is used extensively in Nokia's range of mid- to high-end phones and in advanced handsets from LG Electronics (066570.KS) and Samsung Electronics (005930.KS).

Its closest rival is Microsoft's (MSFT.O) Windows Mobile.

"The touch user interface in S60 smartphone software offers licensees the opportunity to develop devices with a variety of input methods," Nokia said in a statement.