This via Nokia Conversations...  The promised Symbian Anna software update is ready and downloads will begin to be available today for Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Thailand, UAE, the UK

The update includes new icons, a portrait QWERTY keyboard, faster web browsing and better maps. All the details after the break.

What’s in it?

Lots. Let’s break down the main changes section-by-section. There are the new icons, of course, but there’s a whole lot more under the hood.

Improved text input

• There’s a portrait QWERTY keyboard for fast, single-handed typing.
• There’s also a split-screen view while you’re typing, so you can see the web pages, forms and message threads you’re replying to.

Better browser

• The browser is easier to use and faster, and offers better compliance with recent standards.

Enhanced Maps

• Ovi Maps now has a simpler and quicker search function.
• It also includes public transport routes.
• And you can check in to social networks, send emails and SMS messages sharing your location.

Business features

• Email improvements include full meeting request support.
• Hardware-accelerated encryption of your phone’s data for true business-grade security.
• Secure intranet access for business users who need IPSEC and SSL VPN enablers.

Near-Field Communications

See details on the Conversations blog

The Symbian Anna update will be available through Ovi Suite on the PC or the SW Update app on your phone.