Nokia is one very busy company. Despite the rough start this year with news reports that the Finnish phone maker is losing its grip on the mobile phone industry and how the Google Android OS is fast catching up with the Symbian mobile platform, the fact of the matter is that Nokia is still able to keep hold of its target market.
Just a while back, the Symbian Foundation has officially announced that all support pages for the Symbian OS will be shutting down; this includes access to resources such as dev kits and more importantly source code (despite the fact that the Symbian OS has become an open source platform earlier this year). The move from a Foundation to a licensing company has been instigated by a recent announcement by the EC that Symbian Foundation will be leading the SYMBOESE project.
At the same time, Nokia is currently busy with the N9 smart phone. This MeeGo powered handset was supposedly delayed from launch due to the Nokia N8 being pushed back months behind the intended schedule. With no new word about the Intel and Nokia developed platform, the disinterest in Nokia’s products might continue.
Still, this does not mean that the Finnish company is all out. The X7-00 has been announced just recently and from what we have seen, this Symbian^3 powered smart phones can do some incredible things. Need for Speed Drift was shown off in a demonstration video and judging from the smoothness of the graphics and the performance of the game, this phone has a pretty good CPU.
In other news, Apple’s iPad touch screen tablet is finally going to be available in cheaper monthly tariff rates. The iOS powered, 9.7 inch tablet will be available through Orange Mobile, T-Mobile and 3 UK at varying rates. While the device is definitely getting a new price tag, Flash support is still absent.
Posts Tagged ‘Orange’
Quick Run: Today’s Mobile News
Tuesday, November 30th, 2010Windows Phone 7 SD Card Hunt
Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
A recently reported news bit about Windows Phone 7 has revealed a major flaw in the mobile platform: it cannot swap micro SD cards. And this is where you get some pause to let that sink in.
For those who cannot appreciate the gravity of the issue, here’s the basic lowdown: the micro SD card is basically removable storage for any mobile device. You can transfer and store files in card and basically allow you to switch between multiple handsets or multiple cards (depending on how you prefer).
Switching between phones is understandable, if you have an Android and a BlackBerry, being able to carry around a single media library means that you can still watch that next episode stored on the card, regardless of which phone you use. In that same regard, being able to carry multiple cards means that you can delegate space better –like having one card store all music and another for videos.
In any case, the ability to switch and swap micro SD cards is longer a feature of convenience, but something that is expected from smart phones. But this is not possible with the Windows Phone 7 operating system. Apparently, the OS tends to stick to the initial card you use, with the data supposedly written in a completely new format (ironic, since this is a Microsoft OS). And worst of all, only certain SD cards work well with the OS (which seems to have a high transfer rate speed requirement).
In other news, it seems that T-Mobile and Orange UK are looking into making the iPad more accessible to buyers. The team that brought us Everything Everywhere has hinted that the Apple iPad price tag might drop down as far as 200 Pounds –depending on the 3G contract. For those who feel that the almost 500 Pound cost of the touch screen tablet is too much, this is a perfect opportunity.
Mobile News Bits: Updates and News from UK Networks
Thursday, September 23rd, 2010
T-Mobile UK is promising something special for users of the Samsung i9000 Galaxy S at the end of this month: the Android 2.2 Froyo will be made available for the smart phone ahead of schedule. For users of the phone on other networks, the expected update launch is set for early next month. This means that T-Mobile subscribers get to enjoy Flash and improved OS and web browsing performance ahead of their peers by the end of September.
Speaking of the Froyo update, the much delayed Orange Mobile UK Froyo update for the HTC Desire has finally been rolled out. Originally, Orange was able to make the update available as scheduled but had to it pull down due to technical issues that the update brought.
While it certainly took them quite some time to come up with a solution, they have finally done it and are now making the update available to all HTC Desire users under their network. It is advisable for those planning to download the update to do so under a secure and stable connection as the patch is about 90MB in size.
On a much larger news scale, T-Mobile, Orange, O2 and Vodafone are all confirmed to be offering Windows Phone 7 handsets when the new mobile platform finally comes out this coming October. Microsoft seems to have made well laid out plans as they have been able to get devices into all networks –effectively expanding the market viability of the new OS.
With several other powerful platforms already established on the market, it is important for MS to be able to show that the new WP7 platform is as flexible and versatile as they had promised.
Lastly, 3 UK has confirmed that they will be offering the Nokia C7 nHD smart phone later this year. The new media centric Symbian device will be sporting a 3.5 inch nHD touch screen display and support for HD video.
Updates on OS Updates: Orange HTC Desire and Apple iOS 4.2
Friday, September 17th, 2010Does anyone remember the launch of Android 2.2 Froyo for Orange’s HTC Desire has been delayed? Well, today is a second round of that same news. Once again, Orange HTC Desire users are going to be subjected to another indefinitely long wait.
For those who may remember, the issue began on the very first day that Orange officially launched the update. Several excited handset owners had already gotten the patch and sadly, their handsets all crashed. While other Android devices have not faced a similar issue with the Froyo update, it seems that Orange has a very peculiar problem on their hands.
Now, Orange is tactfully (well, not so much) saying that the cause for the issue is not their problem, but HTC’s. While it is hard to understand how that is specifically HTC’s problem (seeing that other HTC Desire handsets are doing well with the update), all the market really needs to know is that the update is still not available.
In any case, it seems that the network operator is confident that the issue will be resolved very shortly as they are promising that the delay will only be for a few days instead of another couple of long weeks.
On Apple’s side of the world, it seems that an update for the iOS is going to be made available. For now, version 4.2 of the iOS is still exclusive to the iPad touch screen tablet and from the looks of it; it seems that the update will be skipped by the iPod and the iPhone for a much later version.
The reason for this is due to the fact that the 4.2 iPad update actually places iPhone and iPod features on the tablet. It would be pretty redundant for the update to bring in features that are already present in the two other devices.
Apple Ping, Nokia-Intel MeeGo and More
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Despite the fact that the iTunes is not getting much use as music source (people access it for apps, otherwise, they rely on services such as Spotify for music), it is surprising how Apple is still trying to push Ping forward.
In what is apparently a substitute social networking tool, Apple is promoting the Ping service as a way for users to connect and reach out to their friends and contacts to compare and share listening preferences on anything. As interesting as that may sound, it is not exactly an enticing enough reason to pull out one’s Apple iPhone just to see which new music tracks your friends are listening to –and people would prefer to use Facebook instead.
In any case, it is not that bad having Ping around (though it will mess up with your bandwidth and data allotment a by a bit), though its usability is understandably quite low.
In other news, it seems that videos and images of the upcoming Nokia and Intel developed MeeGo operating system have been made available online in order to show us what the new system might be looking like. The new OS certainly looks stylish and sleek, though it is hard to determine from images how intuitive the user interface controls will be.
At the very least, seeing the upcoming MeeGo OS does prove that it was a right move for Nokia to drop Maemo and for Intel to hold development on the Moblin OS.
Lastly, it appears that the merger between T-Mobile and Orange UK is pushing through with the emergence of the Everything Everywhere company which stands as the UK’s largest network operator.
What makes this move quite impressive is that users will now be able to connect to any available network that they have in the vicinity –pretty much akin to local roaming. The merger is considered to be a long term plan for the two companies.
More News: YoGen is Eco Friendly, Orange Android is Coming
Monday, August 30th, 2010Everyone is looking for interesting new ways to generate clean energy, and YoGen is a great step in that direction. While this little rip-cord pulling gadget is hardly what you would rely on when it comes to getting a handset up to a full charge, it certainly helps add in a few minutes of usage time to any battery.
YoGen is easy to use, simply pull out the cord several times and it will wind up the motor and generate some power. If you are sitting in your desk, reading a book or watching a show, the motions can be done repeatedly in order to get the charge up and ready. Once it has been set, users can choose one of the many available connectors to connect the YoGen to almost any handset.
The device supports a wide variety of phones, the Apple iPhone, Sony Ericsson XPERIA phones, LG Optimus, Samsung Galaxy phones and Motorola Droids are just some of the devices that will support this eco friendly charger. Of course, each of these devices has great battery time, but having a little boost also helps out a lot.
In other news, it has been announced that Orange Mobile is currently working on a new mobile smart phone tablet that will be arriving later this year. For now, the device seems to be bound only for France while UK launch seems more likely for next year.
Will an Android Tablet be the item that Orange Mobile needs? It seems that with all the fuss with smart phones, paying attention to devices such as tablets tend to take a lower position in the priority lists for people.
On the other hand, there are plenty of professionals who would need the technology of a tablet. If Orange is able to bring their tablet to the business industry instead of keeping it bound to the general market, then this little Android gadget just might be the success they are waiting for.
A Week of Mobile News Highlights
Thursday, August 19th, 2010
This is a very busy week for the mobile phone industry with one new announcement after another. Here is a quick list of all the big headlines for the past couple of days.
First off, Samsung has confirmed that they are going to be releasing a white version of the GT i9000 Galaxy S Android smart phone. No word yet on exactly when this phone will be on stock, but it will be coming. Many believe that Samsung is directly competing with the iPhone 4 (which has a white version that has been terribly delayed).
O2 and the UK police have teamed up to bring down nine individuals that have conspired to steal millions from network providers. The arrest was just made recently and is a major step in helping out the local phone operators from potentially losing millions in a major scam.
Orange Mobile UK has confirmed that the iPhone 4 is now available for free on certain plans and tariffs. The big offer can still be availed off –especially now that the demand for the smart phone has died down considerably. Just be certain to avail of the free iPhone 4 Bumper through the downloadable iTunes app.
It has been confirmed that the Android operating system is now one of the largest mobile platforms available with over 55 million units distributed in this year alone. This volume is almost six times more than the amount of Android shipped out last year. Currently, Google’s Android is second place only to the Symbian OS.
Sony has taken the first step in a marketing campaign that pits the PSP against casual titles on the mobile phone industry. Many, however, believe that this is just a prologue to the upcoming PSP2 smart phone-gaming handheld which is supposedly an Android device. Google is indeed with Talks with Sony and it is possible that there is more to this rumor than meets the eye.
Orange Mobile will Offer Nokia N8 at Launch
Thursday, August 12th, 2010
Mobile network operator Orange has confirmed that they will be offering the Nokia N8 smart phone to their subscribers when the device finally launches this coming August 26. While that launch date may still change (as is the pattern for the Nokia N8), many expect that this launch date might actually push through. And with the upcoming launch of the Nokia N9 MeeGo smart phone, it is all the more reason for Nokia to get the Symbian^3 device out on shelves lest the N9 launch eat up all the sales.
The N8 smart phone was first announced for an April launch date –this obviously never pushed through along with several other scheduled appearances. Eventually, the device got delayed so much that the launch is no set for late August. Still, this is better than not being launched at all, with the decreasing support and interest in Nokia and Symbian devices, the N8 is better off launch as soon as it can.
The Nokia N8 smart phone will –as stated above, be using the new Symbian^3 operating system. This new version of the platform will concentrate heavily on touch screen controls which will have people poking around the screen with gestures and motions to navigate and access content. Users will love the ergonomic shape and design of the phone’s edges though the back is a little uneven due to the built in camera.
Speaking of which, the 12 mega pixel snapper is fully equipped to the brim for high quality media recording. For images, makes use of Carl Zeiss lens, Xenon flash, autofocus, and geotagging. Video recording is also supported in 720p HD at 30 frames per second.
Expect to see tariff offers for the Nokia N8 not only from Orange but also from other mobile network operators when the device comes out a couple of weeks from now.
Project JAL: Orange’s Own Custom Android Smart Phone
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
Having a custom Android smart phone is a great idea for Orange’s proprietary handset. Vodafone UK already has the 360 series (the M1, H1, etc) and T-Mobile UK already has the Pulse. Orange is pulling in mobile phone maker ZTE to create this brand new low end smart phone that is meant to bring the Android experience even to users who are on a budget.
So far, the tentative details and specs on the Project JAL handset are quite promising. First off the device will be using a 3.5 inch OLED capacitive touch screen display. Since the handset will not have a slide out QWERTY keyboard, the touch screen will serve as the primary user input. Of course, the screen aspect ratio will be using WVGA standards.
No word yet on what camera the handset will be packing, though the initial estimates give out something between a 2 to 3.2 mega pixel camera. Considering that the device is expected to have a retail price of only 100 to 150 Pounds Sterling, many do not expect to the camera to be anything much.
As a new Android device, many are already expecting that the phone will come with the version 2.2 Froyo update. So far, Google has yet to officially comment on what OS the device will be using.
Speaking of Android devices, there are several other Android devices coming up from other mobile phone manufacturers. HTC is getting geared up with the HTC Vision and Ace handsets. The details on the HTC Ace still minimal for now, though the HTC Vision is certainly worth checking out; the phone comes with a slide out QWERTY keyboard which is an extreme wish for many Android smart phone fans. The Vision is expected to come out with a 1.2 GHz CPU and a 4 inch capacitive touch screen display.
Introducing the Samsung Galaxy 3 Android Smart Phone
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Android handsets are coming out one after the other these days. And if you have not yet chosen what Android suits you best, there are now plenty of devices to choose from. It all boils down to deciding on the kind of functions you need and the style that suits you best.
The Samsung Galaxy 3 Android smart phone is the perfect fit for the average person. And by average, we mean having a great phone that does not stick out like a sore thumb. As impressive as many other Android handsets can be, having it in your pocket or your hand can instantly be screaming out your choice though some people prefer not to express themselves. In many ways, Samsung is getting close to their goal of a smart phone for everyone with the release of the Galaxy 3.
Originally, the Galaxy 3 was known as the Galaxy Apollo. While Samsung has yet to confirm that the two devices are actually the same, there are many factors that point towards that conclusion. First off, Samsung’s code for both is quite close. The Apollo is an i5801 while the Galaxy 3 is i5800. There are rumors that the Apollo will be special modified version of the Galaxy 3 which will be made exclusive to Orange Mobile UK. The teaser page of the Apollo on the Orange website, as well as the separate announcement of the Galaxy 3 adds credence to this theory.
Specs wise, the Samsung Galaxy 3 is a very average smart phone with its 3.2 mega pixel camera, 3.2 inch WVGA TFT capacitive touch screen, Android 2.1 operating system and its low capacity internal memory. So far, there is no word yet as to when the two handsets will be made available though with the advertisement for the Apollo already out, many believe that it is only a matter of weeks before these two handset are available on store shelves.