In its recent confirmation about choosing the Linux-based MeeGo platform for its flagship N-series smartphones, Nokia told CNET Australia and Reuters that the Nokia N8 will be the last N-series handset to use the company's Symbian operating system.

Saying that though Nokia will continue offering Symbian lower down its product line, its high-end devices will feature MeeGo, a Nokia spokesman said during a Reuter's interview: "Going forward, N-series devices will be based on MeeGo."

MeeGo is essentially a platform built on Linux, rather than being a mere Linux distribution. Its key features include a user interface built with Qt, a cross-platform GUI and application framework which Nokia acquired with the 2008-takeover of Trolltech.

In addition, the MeeGo platform will offer a standard set of services for Internet, communications, data, media, and graphics.

MeeGo will also reportedly support Adobe Flash and AIR, as well as Microsoft's Silverlight product; and there will be app stores including Nokia's Ovi and Intel's AppUp Center, along with other carrier-specific stores.

Developed in early 2010, MeeGo is essentially an operating system resulting from the notable combination of two other Linux efforts - Intel's Moblin endeavor and Nokia's Maemo. The platform apparently fits the new era of mobile devices, which resemble small general-purpose computers more than single-purpose handsets.