Sony Ericsson said today it is acquiring UIQ Technology AB, the maker of software featured on many of Sony Ericsson's high-end handsets, from Symbian Ltd.

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As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Symbian, UIQ's software provides a user interface for the Symbian platform, which is one of the most widely used operating system for advanced cell phones. Sony Ericsson is already a licensee of UIQ Technology, and has been working closely with the company on UIQ version 3.0, which is included in Sony Ericsson's P990 smartphone, M600 messaging phone and W950 Walkman phone.

Following completion of the acquisition, UIQ Technology will operate as a separate business subsidiary of Sony Ericsson under its current management team. UIQ on Symbian OS will continue to be openly available, licensed on equal terms to all its licensees.