Nokia announced two new smartphones which are its first to run an updated version of the Symbian software, as the company looks to maintain its momentum in the smartphone space ahead of the launch of its first devices powered by Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform. The new devices are the X7 (pictured), which is described as an “entertainment-focused smartphone with a large 4″ display ideal for gaming, and an 8-megapixel camera for capturing pictures and HD-quality video,” and the E6, which is a “business smartphone with a full QWERTY keypad and a high resolution touch display.”

Powering the smartphones is a version of Symbian OS referred to as “Anna,” which is said to deliver “a host of usability enhancements, including fresh, new icons, improved text input, a faster internet browsing experience and a refreshed Ovi Maps application with improved search and new public transport routes.” The update also delivers “a strong set of new features aimed at business users in particular, including true enterprise grade security with hardware accelerated encryption, and new e-mail features such as full meeting request support.” It will also be made available to owners of existing N8, E7, C7 and C6-01 smartphones, as well as featuring on new shipments of these devices.

The devices were announced shortly after the Financial Times reported that Jorma Ollila, chairman of Nokia, had acknowledged that the company is set to cede more market share in smartphones before any benefits can be had from its relationship with Nokia. The company previously said that it will be 2013 before Windows Phone-powered devices make up the bulk of its smartphone portfolio, meaning it is reliant in the meantime on Symbian OS – a platform it has publicly stated it is set to abandon. The company has said it is looking to ship approximately 150 million more devices based on Symbian OS as the platform is phased out, although some observers have questioned its ability to deliver on this. Separately, Nokia noted increased momentum in the Symbian OS apps ecosystem, stating that its Ovi Store now has more than 40,000 products available, with more than 5 million downloads taking place every day.