Origo IDE
I came across Origo yesterday. It claims to provide native performance Symbian compatible applications with the development effort similar to scripting. Anything that makes Symbian programming easier is worth a look so I dug deeper and asked some questions.
Origo provides a scripting environment together with a canvas onto which graphics primitives can be drawn. Currently there is no support for S60 native lists, forms and settings. I was told that developers are expected to create their own UI in a similar way to Adobe Flash . I was also told that one of the key benefits of Origo is its fast S-Buffer graphics engine. The speed is achieved partly by bypassing Symbian S60 Avkon layer. It also helps keep everything compatible with all Symbian 3rd and 5th edition handsets.
In terms of phone features, the API currently provides access to files and http. I have been told that new versions of Origo IDE will be released every two weeks adding new API’s. The next version will support native XML parsing and most likely also phone and SMS. Camera and GPS are planned later this year.
I wondered about Symbian Signing and whether any generated applications have passed Symbian Signed testing. I was told Origo IDE generated applications use the standard C++ signing process. Origo is compiled with ARM RVCT 2.2 and has passed all Symbian Signed and Nokia Signed criteria. Most demos on their site are Symbian Signed.
Going forward, I asked about the possibility of calling into custom c++ extensions so people can add whatever they like and possibly create an ecosystem for Origo add-ons. I was told an API for custom Symbian DLL’s will come later this year.
Origo IDE costs 2.750 Euros excluding VAT per company that allows you to create and distribute an unlimited number of applications. I have been told that the license price includes upgrades for one calendar year. After the initial year developers can purchase maintenance on a yearly basis.
Initially, I think 2.750 Euros is a high price for an application generator that can only create applications that draw to the screen, access files and perform http requests. However, with time, as the product gains new features, I can see Origo becoming much more useful and better value.
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