My iPhone Blog

As I already said it before, after using the Nokia E71 for two weeks, I fell in love with it. The full QWERTY keyboard and the overall look and feel are two key factors why I think it’s the single best Symbian S60 smartphone released to date. However, something’s always missing and it’s a result of Nokia’s (and any handset maker’s for that matter) product differentiation. What is missing is the better multimedia experience, primarily a better camera. That being said “I have a dream” of a perfect Nokia smartphone, which will merge all the features of N and E series. An NSeries device with full keyboard, or an ESeries device with powerful camera with Carl-Zeiss optics. A new device that will blend differences between the two Nokia series of devices. A touchscreen is a plus, but not a must as far as I’m concerned. That would be a single device everyone would want. The price may be steep, but after buying it, one wouldn’t have to buy another smartphone for quite some time. Alternatively, Nokia could create a whole series of such devices, each having a different form factor. Naturally, I would expect a larger screen on a slider or clamshell-shaped (Communicator-like) phone, than on a candybar. And all this goes in line with my previous “I need the E61i with VGA screen” post. The device I talked about previously could be one of these. Not that I wouldn’t be interested to buy the E61i even without an NSeries-like camera, it’s yet another compromise I’m unfortunately willing to accept as part of the mentioned handset maker’s product differentiation scheme. Now comes the part where I try to predict the future. I do believe such a device will appear during next year. The introduction of the Apple iPhone and Google’s Android platform pushed consumers’ expectations through the roof. This is not to say the product differentiation will die. Quite the contrary, there will be more options than ever before. However, at the very high end of the spectrum, my belief is that we’ll see not one but few devices that match the criteria mentioned above — to combine great multimedia capabilities with ready-for-business functionality. Question is whether Nokia will release such device(s), or some of their competitors. We know Samsung is very familiar with Symbian OS and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them releasing such a device before Nokia. After all, it was Samsung not Nokia which made the first 8 megapixel S60 smartphone (INNOV8) and the first S60 smartphone with 5 megapixel camera and optical zoom (G810). There’s another company that also has a compelling offering. It’s HTC which Touch Pro and T-Mobile G1, as well as the Sony Ericsson with its Xperia X1 smartphone (also made by HTC) look very promising. All these handsets lack is a better camera, but it’s something that looks easily upgradable in future models. Back to Nokia and you? Have any comments? Do you love/hate their E/N series product differentiation? Don’t hesitate to drop your two cents in the comments form. We (and I hope Nokia, as well) are listening… P.S. Now I remembered. I want a built-in FM transmitter, too! Related News from IntoMobile:

• Samsung i7110 S60 smartphone leaked
• In search for a perfect all-in-one device
• Nokia 6290 smartphone preview
• Nokia 7310 Classic, E66, E71 official press photos leaked
• Flickr photos show Nokia N79, Nokia N85, Nokia 5800 XpressMedia Tube in the flesh

Tags: apple iphone, carl zeiss optics, full qwerty keyboard, Nokia E71

China is the land of cheap handset rip-offs and otherwise low-quality handsets. Unfortunately for Nokia, that means Chinese-made clones of popular Nokia handsets are undercutting Nokia’s sales in emerging markets like India. The clones are made en masse and boast feature-sets that, on the surface, match those of the real-deal. But, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Chinese handsets are seriously lower quality than their legitimate counterparts from Nokia and Sony Ericsson. Nokia is making a big push to dominate emerging markets and so the prevalence of cheap, Chinese knock-offs is a significant threat to Nokia’s bottom line. To help combate Chinese manufacturers’ infringement on Nokia’s turf, the Finnish cellphone giant has take out a huge ad in the Mumbai Mirror that warns customers against buying those “puny,” “low quality” Chinese handsets. Nokia warns that Chinese rip-offs could threaten national security by failing to have an IMEI number, might not come with “bill and warranty,” and won’t have the ICA hologram. Conversely, Nokia flaunts their legitimate handsets as being safe and secure with IMEI numbers assigned to each handset, come with bill and warranty, and sport ICA holograms. Not to mention you actually get some high-quality hardware that doesn’t break down after a couple push-ups calls or fails to look like their online profile picture deliver on promises of smartphone capability or high-resolution cameras. [Via: Only Gizmos] Related News from IntoMobile:

• Nokia copies Apple iPhone with pride
• Chinese Nokia N95 clone with a laser pointer
• Fantastic four rip-offs: Nokia 5300, LG VX8600, MOTOKRZR K1 and Sony Ericsson W850
• Nokia opens mobile phone design studio in Bangalore, India
• Nokia’s touchscreen Nokia 5800 XpressMusic misses 2008 for mature markets

Tags: feature sets, imei number, nokia n95

Nokia is gearing toward launching its “phone bundled with music” offering to Asia. At the recently held Mobile Asia Congress in Macau, head of entertainment and communities for Nokia China, T C Pan, said they [Nokia] are working on the implementation details with the labels to bring “Comes With Music” (CWM) to Asia and Greater China. “I believe country by country CWM will be launched in Asia and Greater China next year and the year after, just like the launches of Nokia Music Store,” he said. However, Pan admits there are concerns about how mobile music services will work in China due to piracy issues. In addition, the lack of 3G and WLAN networks in public areas as well as the steep data traffic tariffs could also kill the idea. On the current 2G networks in China, it takes tons of time to download an individual track, not to mentioned a whole album. Some synchronization with PC could be a neat idea. Anyway, Nokia has all four major record companies (EMI, Sony BMG, Universal and Warner) as well as many independent labels on board for their “Comes With Music” scheme. The question is will they accept some kind of compromises to push the service to potentially lucrative Chinese market. We’ll have to wait and see… [Via: GSMA newsletter] Related News from IntoMobile:

• To see the future of mobile people look to Asia, what about the music business?
• Nokia Music Store opens in Australia, France
• Nokia Music Store hits Italy
• Nokia Music Store hits Spain
• MusicStation launched

Tags: Nokia, nokia china, nokia music

By now, it’s should be clear that the MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) boom was a fad. The passing fad saw carrier-wannabes like Ampd and Voce fizzle out of existence, failing to gain enough traction to stay afloat. But, when your the leading global mobile phone manufacturer, with almost a majority cellphone market share, niggling issues such as questionable business models aren’t going to stand in your way. Nokia is looking to enter the Japanese wireless operator business in 2009. Nokia has announced that it is drawing up plans to hit the Japanese market with force in 2009. The Finnish cellphone giant is looking to strengthen its presence in Japan with a veritable one-two punch. First, the Espoo-based Nokia is planning to launch its own wireless cell network in Japan. Second, Nokia will be pushing its uber-lux Vertu lineup to the Japanese elite. The handsets will be used on the planned Nokia wireless network. In order to launch its own cellular network and become a wireless operator in Japan, Nokia will lease network time and bandwidth from Japanese wireless carrier NTT Docomo. In so doing, Nokia will be launching its wireless network under the MVNO model (leasing wholesale network time from established carriers). The Nokia MVNO will be marketed exclusively towards the financially insulated Japanese elite for whom a $30,000 mobile phone isn’t out of the question. Nokia’s Vertu lineup, tied to Nokia’s Japanese MVNO could become the next status symbol in Japan. [Via: Retuers] Related News from IntoMobile:

• KDDI Busts Onto US MVNO Scene - KDDI Mobile To Launch In April
• Internet Initiative Japan Inc first MVNO to use DoCoMo’s 3G network
• Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo confirmed to be negotiating with Apple for iPhone
• Japan wants to boost the MVNO market
• Japan Communications launches MVNO service on DoCoMo’s network

Tags: mobile phone manufacturer, mobile virtual network operator

Yup, today Madonna was apparently granted a quickie divorce from (now) former husband Guy Ritchie. They had been married for a good few years, and whatever happens, you hope the both of them will be happier now. Well, in a (kinda) similar sense, I have divorced my N95-8GB fully now. Cracks (not literally) started appearing as the device started to wear, and despite me never dropping it, the N95-8GB became less reliable over time. Even marriage guidance, in the form of software upgrades, didn’t solve the problem. However, the straw that broke the camel’s back was the volume rocker switch going (see here) – which sparked the end of the relationship. I’ve been with Nokia devices for a little while – at conservative estimate, 2 years (no ladies, I don’t the know EXACT date I got hitched with the N95!) – but finally now the N95-8GB is going off to have it’s problems sorted out, and then it will be re-purposed for someone else – and perhaps they will appreciate it more and treat it good. Meanwhile, I have a new “fancy” in my life, in the shape of the iPhone – it’s got supermodel looks, and responds to my touch wonderfully Whilst it’s a bit unsteady on it’s legs from time to time, in the main it does exactly what I tell it, when I tell it – just what you need from a wife gadget! I will readily admit to being a phone ‘tart’ by changing my devices so often, but I’m certainly not the only person out there – people these days tend only to have short relationships with their devices before leaving them for another! How often does the average IntoMobile reader change their device? Only comments will tell…

Tags: N95, n95 8gb, nokia devices

As rumoured, Fido won’t be getting the E71, but bigger brother Rogers will be. The E71 is Nokia’s flagship enterprise device, to much critical acclaim. A 3.2 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, GPS, QVGA 320 x 240 screen, a solid backing and a great keyboard make this one more a than ample competitor to BlackBerry. Dusan has had some quality time with the device if you’re looking for a more in-depth examination. No word on pricing or release date, but AT&T still doesn’t offer it, so a Rogers release may signal a US launch soon as well, although it’s looking like America might just skip the E71 in favour of the E63… [via MobileSyrup] Related News from IntoMobile:

• Rogers’ BlackBerry roadmap leaked
• BlackBerry Pearl Flip, Android G1 coming to Best Buy October 26th.
• BlackBerry Pearl Flip Launch Kits Arriving at Rogers Stores
• Rogers in Canada to sell the BlackBerry Bold for $299?
• BlackBerry Pearl Flip on Rogers going for $50 after all?

Tags: Nokia E71

Back in October, Nokia said it will acquire OZ Communications, a Montreal, Canada-based company which provides software that delivers access to popular instant messaging and email services on mobile devices. Today, the Finnish giant announced it’s a done deal and that OZ’s staff of approximately 220 people are now Nokia employees.

By acquiring OZ, Nokia will address the fast growing consumer messaging market by providing an affordable mass market email and instant message platform for Nokia Series 40 devices, complementing the existing portfolio of mobile messaging solutions for Nokia S60 devices.

I’m not sure when nor whether we’ll ever know which piece(s) of OZ’s technology is used on Nokia’s devices, but Nokia’s latest batch of low-end phone announcements seem to have something to do with it. Or I’m wrong? Related News:

• Nokia to acquire email and instant messaging provider OZ Communications
• Forum Nokia introduces Series 40 platform 5th Edition
• Nokia N77 to be launched at 3GSM: Mobile TV in phone
• Mobile e-mail and data backup to reach the masses this year
• Nokia’s N-Gage coming out party will be at GDC 2007

Tags: mobile messaging solutions, nokia employees, nokia s60

I know that at the end of October we mentioned the Nokia N96 with US 3G frequencies (850 and 1900 MHz) is available for purchase, but it was yesterday when we caught Nokia’s official release announcing the N96 has started shipping. Let’s recap the specs:

• 2.8-inch QVGA screen
• 16GB of internal memory further expandable with microSD cards
• 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and dual LED Flash; video recording at 30 fps in VGA resolution
• TV Out
• GPS - comes with Nokia Maps and free navigation service for 90 days, though data charges may apply
• WiFi, Bluetooth
• mobile TV ready (DVB-H - not sure where you’ll be able to use it in North America)
• N-Gage, Ovi compatible

The price is 895 USD for an unlocked device without any contracts. Interested buyers should be able to pick it up at Nokia’s Flagship Stores in Chicago and New York, through Nokia’s website and at a “number of independent retailers and e-tailers.” Related News:

• Mac users get Nokia Map Loader
• Nokia CK-20W Car Kit takes multimedia from mobile to automobile
• Nokia announces N-Gage support for Nokia XpressMusic 5320, N78, N96
• Nokia N96 available with US 3G frequency support
• Nokia promotes end of N-Gage beta with free game offering

Tags: Nokia N96

Today I’m playing with the apps. Not the regular ones that come with every Symbian S60 device, but with few apps that Nokia’s WOM World folks pre-loaded on the E71 that was sent to me. Without further ado, let’s start:

• First comes the Advanced Call Manager, a handy tool for those that receive tons of calls every day and need some way to get through the clutter. The app allows creation of black, white and custom lists, and setting of an appropriate action for each of the lists defined. For instance, you can reject, divert calls, or mute the ringer for those in the black list; or send personalized SMS or play personalized greeting for those in the white list. I can see this being handy for many folks, but since I don’t receive that many calls, I doubt I’ll be using the Advanced Call Manager.
• Then there’s We:offset, a Nokia’s application designed to help users do their bit for the environment. Basically it’s a mobile CO2 emission offsetting tool. As I’m trialing the E71 for two weeks, again this won’t be something I’ll use. However, if you’re an eco-aware person (and everyone should be in this time) who at the same time travels a lot, this will be a neat reminder-app to keep you always in the loop on how much greenhouse gases your travels produce.
• Finally, there’s SkyeQuiKey - a must-have for every E71 owner. The ultra-useful application lets you quickly find Contacts, Applications, Bookmarks, etc. using direct key presses from the device’s idle screen. Now when I need to call someone, I just type first few letter of the person’s name and voila - I get his name on the screen. It’s that simple!

That’s it for today. Tomorrow I’ll be pairing the Nokia E71 with my Stowaway Sierra Bluetooth keyboard in order to write an actual article with it. Stay tuned… Related News:

• Handy Blacklist 3.0 protects you against unwanted phone calls; Stalkers, telemarketers cry
• Handy Calendar 2.0 for S60 released; Even better than the original!
• Handango releases Yardstick, smartphone content trends for 2007
• ACM for the new UIQ 3 platform
• Use iDialUDrive for multiple calls from your iPhone while driving

Tags: Nokia E71, Nokia E71 apps

A Nokia promotional video has apparently been leaked to YouTube revealing a pair of an unannounced, business-minded handsets: the E72 QWERTY slider and E75 QWERTY candybar. Check all the hot corporate, S60 video action after the break — who knew architectural planning could be so easy?

[Via Symbian Freak]

Continue reading Nokia’s E72 slider and E75 candybar with QWERTY keyboards leaked

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Technorati Tags: Handsets, Nokia, Symbian

Tags: Handsets, Nokia, Symbian